Jesper Schmidt's Blog, page 2

Discover the Benefits of Podcasts: A Guide to Listening to and Learning from Podcasts

Podcasts have rapidly become a popular form of media and entertainment, and they are only growing in popularity. With a vast variety of podcasts available, covering almost every topic imaginable, it’s no wonder that so many people have turned to podcasts for information, entertainment, and education.

We love podcasts, and listen to a lot of them, ranging from author content about writing and book marketing to pure entertainment, like audio dramas.

This post aims to provide a comprehensive guide to both beginners and experienced podcast listeners.

For those who are new to podcasts, this guide will explain how to find and listen to podcasts easily using popular podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We’ll cover everything from subscribing to podcasts and downloading episodes, to customizing playback speed and organizing your podcast library.

However, this post is not just for beginners. Even experienced podcast listeners can benefit from this guide by learning how to find the newest podcasts in an easy and efficient manner. This can be challenging as the podcast apps are only showing the most popular shows in their news feed or list so you could be missing out on some great shows.

We’ll therefore share the trick we use for how to discover new podcasts. It is as easy and quick as it is effective.

In addition, we’ll discuss the benefits of subscribing to podcasts, including receiving notifications for new episodes, and creating a customized playlist for your favorite podcasts. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge and tools you need to make the most out of your podcast listening experience. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned podcast listener, this guide has something for everyone.

Before diving into the benefits of listening to podcasts and how to listen to them, let’s start with the basics: What is a podcast?

What is a Podcast? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding On-Demand Audio

In simple terms, a podcast is an audio program you can listen to on your computer, phone, or other digital device. Podcasts are usually in the form of a series, with each episode focusing on a specific topic or theme.

Podcasts can cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to comedy, sports, personal development, and more. They are usually hosted by individuals or groups who share their opinions, experiences, and expertise on a particular subject.

What sets podcasts apart from other forms of audio content is that they are on-demand and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. You can listen to a podcast while commuting to work, doing chores around the house, or working out at the gym.

Furthermore, podcasts are often free, which makes them an affordable and accessible form of entertainment and education. With thousands of podcasts available, covering almost every topic imaginable, there’s always something new to discover and learn from.

In summary, a podcast is an audio program that covers a particular topic or theme, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and is often free. With so many options available, podcasts have become a popular form of entertainment and education, and they are only growing in popularity.

The Benefits of Listening to Podcasts

One reason podcasts have become so popular is because they offer an on-demand and personalized listening experience. Unlike traditional radio shows, you can listen to a podcast whenever you want, wherever you want. With the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward, you can control the pace and listen to what interests you.

Furthermore, podcasts can be an excellent source of inspiration and motivation. You can find podcasts that feature interviews with successful people from various industries, giving you insights into their journeys and how they achieved success. You can also find podcasts that cover topics like personal development and productivity, helping you to become the best version of yourself.

Another reason podcasts are so popular is that they are accessible to everyone. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or working out, you can listen to a podcast. With so many podcast apps available for free, you can easily find and listen to your favorite podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Why You Should Listen to PodcastsLearn Something New

Podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and information that you might not get elsewhere. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or politics, there’s a podcast out there that can help you learn more about it. You can listen to experts and professionals discuss their areas of expertise, giving you insights that you might get nowhere else such as the two podcasts we currently have here at Am Writing Fantasy!

Stay Informed

Podcasts are an excellent source of news and current events. Many podcasts focus on specific topics, such as politics or economics, and offer in-depth coverage of the latest developments in these areas. You can keep up with the news while you’re driving, walking, or working out, making it a convenient way to stay informed.

Expand Your Horizons

Podcasts can introduce you to new ideas, perspectives, and cultures. You can listen to podcasts from all over the world and hear stories from people who have different experiences and backgrounds. This can broaden your understanding of the world and help you see things from different angles.

Be Entertained

Podcasts can be fun and entertaining, just like any other form of media. You can listen to comedy podcasts, true crime podcasts, or celebrity interviews. The options are endless, and you can find something that suits your interests.

Overall, podcasts are a convenient, entertaining, and informative way to learn something new, stay informed, and be entertained. With a wide range of topics and formats, there is something for everyone. If you haven’t started listening to podcasts yet, now is the perfect time to give it a try and experience all the benefits they offer.

How to Find and Listen to Podcasts

Now that you have a better understanding of what a podcast is, let’s dive into how to find and listen to them.

One of the easiest ways to get started with podcasts is by using a popular podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Each app has its own unique features, so it’s worth trying a few to see which one you like best. Alternatively, search for podcast apps in App store (for Apple users) or Google Play (for Android users) and find one that you like.

These apps allow you to browse and discover new podcasts, subscribe to your favorites, and download episodes for offline listening.

Popular Podcast Apps to Get Started With

One of the easiest ways to listen to podcasts is to use a podcast app. Here are some of the most popular podcast apps:

Apple Podcasts: Pre-installed on iPhones, iPads, and Macs—this app has a vast collection of podcasts in almost every genre.

Spotify: Known for its music streaming service, Spotify also has a great collection of podcasts that you can listen to for free.

Google Podcasts: Available for Android devices, this app allows you to discover and listen to podcasts, as well as subscribe to your favorite shows.

Stitcher: Another popular app, Stitcher offers a personalized listening experience with a variety of podcasts, news, and radio shows.

Subscribing to Podcasts and Downloading Episodes

Once you’ve downloaded a podcast app, you can search for podcasts by name or topic. When you find a podcast you like, you can subscribe to it to receive notifications when new episodes are released. You can also download episodes to listen to them offline, which is great for long commutes or when you’re traveling.

Since you are reading our blog, you are likely a writer. You could, for instance, start out by searching for “Write The Story” in your chosen podcast app.

Or, here are direct links:

Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcher

Write The Story podcast is a limited series where we plot a story from scratch in order to help you understand Story Structure better.

Customizing Playback Speed and Organizing Your Library

Most podcast apps allow you to customize your listening experience by adjusting the playback speed. You can listen to podcasts at a faster or slower speed, depending on your preference. Additionally, you can organize your podcast library by creating playlists, marking episodes as played or unplayed, and deleting episodes you’ve already listened to.

In summary, finding and listening to podcasts is easy when you use popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. You can subscribe to podcasts, download episodes, customize playback speed, and organize your podcast library to make the most out of your listening experience. So, start exploring and listening to podcasts today!

Discovering New Podcasts

Once you’ve found a few podcasts you enjoy, it’s time to start exploring and discovering new ones.

In this section, we’ll share some tips on how to discover new podcasts that you’ll love.

Using Podcast Directories and Search Tools

One of the easiest ways to find new podcasts is by using podcast directories and search tools. Here are some popular directories and tools to try:

Apple Podcasts: The app has a “Top Charts” section that showcases the most popular podcasts in different genres, as well as a “Search” feature that allows you to find specific podcasts.Spotify: The app has a “Browse” section that lets you discover new podcasts by category, as well as a “Search” feature that helps you find specific podcasts.Google Podcasts: The app has a “Search” feature that lets you search for podcasts by name or topic, and it also suggests new podcasts based on your listening history.Podchaser: A website and app that allows you to search for podcasts by topic or creator, as well as browse popular podcasts and top charts. This one is our favorite and here is why:

If you click the filter at the top,

You will then get some options. First, tick the boxes related to the types of podcasts you are looking for.

There are loads of options,

Then, set the language you want to listen in,

And, here comes the trick. Use the ‘Date of First Episode’ filter.

You can then set the date range to the previous month, for instance, and up to the current day. Voila!

Podchaser will now display only brand-new podcasts, and solely within the genres you’re interested in.

Pick your favorites, search for them in your podcast app, don’t forget to subscribe to each one, and you are good to go.

Recommendations from Other Listeners and Social Media

Another great way to discover new podcasts is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who are also podcast enthusiasts.

You can also ask for recommendations on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit.

There are also online communities and forums dedicated to discussing and recommending podcasts, such as r/podcasts on Reddit.

Tips for Finding the Newest and Most Popular Podcasts

If you’re interested in finding the newest or most popular podcasts, here are some tips to help you get started:

Check out podcast charts and rankings on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify to see what’s currently popular.Follow podcast newsletters or blogs that curate and recommend new shows, such as The Bello Collective or Podnews.Look for podcasts that have won awards or have been featured in media outlets or podcast festivals.

That said, we still prefer Podchaser as described above, but acknowledge how there are many ways to discover new podcasts, including using podcast directories and search tools, asking for recommendations from others, and following tips to find the newest and most popular shows. With these resources and strategies, you can continue to expand your podcast library and explore new topics and genres.

The Importance of Subscribing to Podcasts

Once you’ve found a podcast that you enjoy, it’s important to subscribe to it. Subscribing to a podcast means that new episodes will automatically download to your device, so you won’t have to manually search for and download each episode.

Here are the steps to subscribe to a podcast:

Step 1: Choose Your Podcast App

Choose the podcast app that you prefer to use. Some popular podcast apps include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Step 2: Find Your Podcast

Search for the podcast that you want to subscribe to in the app’s directory or search bar. You can also paste the RSS feed URL for the podcast into the app’s search bar.

Step 3: Click Subscribe

Once you’ve found the podcast, click the “subscribe” button. This will ensure that new episodes will automatically download to your device when they become available.

Step 4: Manage Your Subscriptions

You can manage your podcast subscriptions by going to your app’s settings or subscriptions page. From there, you can adjust settings such as how often new episodes are downloaded, which episodes to download automatically, and how long to keep downloaded episodes.

Bonus Tip: Leave Ratings and Reviews

If you enjoy a podcast, consider leaving a rating and review on the app’s platform. This can help other listeners discover the podcast and give the creators feedback on their content.

Once you’ve subscribed, you can manage your subscriptions by adjusting settings such as how often new episodes are downloaded, which episodes to download automatically, and how long to keep downloaded episodes.

In summary, subscribing to a podcast is a simple process that can save you time and ensure that you never miss an episode. By following these steps and managing your subscriptions, you can streamline your podcast listening experience and continue to enjoy your favorite shows.

Receiving Notifications for New Episodes

When you subscribe to a podcast, you’ll receive notifications for new episodes. This means that you’ll never miss an episode and can keep up with your favorite podcasts more easily.

Creating Customized Playlists for Your Favorite Podcasts

Many podcast apps allow you to create customized playlists for your favorite podcasts. This can be helpful if you have multiple podcasts that you enjoy and want to listen to them in a specific order.

You can also create playlists for different moods or activities, such as a workout playlist or a relaxing playlist for bedtime.

Conclusion: Start Listening to Podcasts Today!

Podcasts are a fantastic way to learn something new, stay entertained, and make the most of your time.

With so many options available, there’s a podcast for everyone. Whether you’re interested in news, politics, sports, true crime, or just want to listen to some interesting conversations, there’s a podcast out there that’s perfect for you.

By following the steps we’ve outlined in this guide, you can easily find and listen to podcasts that interest you. Start by exploring popular podcast apps, searching for podcasts by topic or name, and subscribing to your favorites.

So what are you waiting for? Start listening to podcasts today!

And if you’re looking for a great podcast to get started with, be sure to check out our “Write the Story” podcast,  where we offer a unique look at the creative writing process. Happy listening!

The post Discover the Benefits of Podcasts: A Guide to Listening to and Learning from Podcasts appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.

How to Create an Illustrated Reader Magnet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an author looking for a way to build your email list and connect with your readers? A reader magnet can help! A reader magnet is a free offer that you give to your readers in exchange for their email address. This can be a sample of your writing, a short story, or a special bonus that’s only available to subscribers. But how can you make your reader magnet stand out from the rest? By creating an illustrated reader magnet! In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to create an illustrated reader magnet that will attract and engage your readers.

Step 1: Identify your target audience

Before you start creating your illustrated reader magnet, you need to know who your target audience is. What kind of readers are you trying to attract? What are their interests and preferences? This information will help you create a reader magnet that resonates with your audience.

For example, if you write romance novels, your target audience may be women in their 20s to 50s who enjoy reading about love and relationships. If you write mysteries, your target audience may be men and women of all ages who enjoy solving puzzles and unraveling clues. Once you know who your target audience is, you can start brainstorming ideas for your illustrated reader magnet.

Step 2: Choose your topic and format for the reader magnet

Now that you know your target audience, you can start thinking about what topic and format would be most appealing to them. The topic should be related to your genre and should offer value to your readers. Some ideas for topics include:

A short story featuring your main charactersA behind-the-scenes look at your writing processA guide to your world-building or character development techniquesAn exclusive first chapter (or more!) of your upcoming bookA printable coloring page featuring your book cover or characters

The format of your reader magnet should also be visually appealing and easy to consume. A PDF is a popular choice for reader magnets, as it can be easily downloaded and read on any device. However, you may also want to consider creating a video, infographic, or interactive quiz, depending on your topic and audience.

Of course, this post is about creating an illustrated reader magnet, not just a general one. So what sort of topics work well for that? Ideas that work great for an illustrated reader magnet include:

Illustrated character sheetsAn illustrated introduction to the world of your story or real places featured in itA cartoon or graphic novel that relates to your story or could introduce your characters/worldGreat art that relates to your story or genre

Try to find something that your ideal reader would enjoy and also relates to your story. Does your story involve a lot of travel? Then a “travel guide” with pictures or illustrations might work great. If it features a lot of food or festivals, then something like a cookbook could work, if that is something your target reader would find fascinating. Be creative to find something that stands out, would interest a reader, and make them want to pick up what you’ve created.

Step 3: Create your illustrations

Now it’s time to start creating your illustrations! If you’re an artist, you may be able to create the illustrations yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your artistic skills, you can hire a professional illustrator to create the illustrations for you. There are many places to look for artists from Fiverr to freelance platforms like Upwork or even on Reedsy!

When creating your illustrations, make sure they are high-quality and visually appealing. They should also be relevant to your topic and genre. For example, if you write fantasy novels, your illustrations may feature mythical creatures or magical landscapes. If you write contemporary romance, your illustrations may feature couples in romantic settings. Remember to not only tie your images into things that would attract your target reader but also related to your novel. The stronger you link the illustrations to your story, the more likely you’ll build curiosity and interest in the reader, which is the whole point of a reader magnet.

Step 4: Design your illustrated reader magnet layout

Once you have your illustrations, it’s time to design your layout. This is where you bring all of the elements together to create a visually appealing reader magnet. You can use design software like Canva or Adobe InDesign to create your layout, or you can hire a professional designer to do it for you. Again, places like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and Reedsy can help you find someone with the skills to help you.

When designing your layout, make sure to use colors and fonts that are consistent with your brand. You may also want to include your author name and book titles on the cover of your reader magnet, so that readers can easily identify it as coming from you. At the very least, have a section in the interior on who you are and what you write along with links to where to find your books.

Step 5: Write your content

Now that you have your illustrations and layout, it’s time to write your content. Your content should be informative and engaging, and should provide value to your readers. Make sure to proofread your content for spelling and grammar errors, as these can be a turn-off for readers.

Just like when you are writing your novel, don’t just make your reader magnet an info dump. Consider that this might be the first time the reader has even discovered your writing. You want it to intrigue them and make them curious enough to check out your full novel. Write in an engaging style even if what you are sharing is worldbuilding information. Consider ways to make it fun, like creating a travel diary if you are featuring worldbuilding information. Or just an illustrated diary of one of the characters if another genre.

It also doesn’t hurt to add in a chapter or more of your novel at the end of your reader magnet to entice the reader to check out the full story. Don’t forget those links on where to find your novel!

Conclusion

Creating something unique that your target audience will enjoy and that ties with your story will help the audience decide if they want to pick up your full novel. Make sure it is high quality with engaging writing, well edited, and well drawn images or photos so that the reader will know your book is equally well crafted.

Once you have your reader magnet completed, created a signup form on your website or through your mailing list provider. Put links to it on your social media profiles and share about it as well. You can also join author swaps on such platforms as Bookfunnel and Story Origins or even find Facebook groups related to your genre. Be patient as it can take some time to get traction. Reach out to other authors in your genre who share a similar target audience and you’ll start to find new readers soon!

Want to see an example a fantasy illustrated reader magnet? Pick up our free Reader’s Library and see our illustrated worldbuilding bible, the Worlds of Ylécium, for inspiration! If you have questions, let us know in the comments. And if you have questions on book marketing such as how to use a reader magnet to attract new readers, sign up for our FREE Skill Booster: Content Marketing Without Paid Ads or take a peek at our Self Publishing Success course!

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Review: Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance Chronicles)

It has been about thirty years since I first read the Dragonlance Chronicles.

At the time, I absolutely adored this series. These books got me into reading fantasy, and perhaps they had a part to play in how I ended up as a fantasy author myself.

Dragonlance has always been important to me.

Hence, when I decided to re-read Dragons of Autumn Twilight, the first book in the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, it was with a certain portion of dread.

You see… I was concerned to have my wonderful childhood memories destroyed, that the books weren’t as good as I remembered, that the test of time would be too harsh.

Let me share my thoughts.

First, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is set in the world of Krynn.

A fantastical realm full of magic, dragons, and species anyone who is familiar with Dungeons and Dragons will recognize instantly. A roleplaying game set in the world of Krynn was developed too.

And just as it’s commonplace in any RPG game, we get to follow a group of friends who must band together to face the return of evil to the land.

The story takes its beginning with the reunion of Tanis, Sturm, Raistlin, Caramon, Tasslehoff, Flint, and Goldmoon in the town of Solace. They have been separated for many years and the scene playing out at the Inn is one that I recall vividly – even now, thirty years later.

Wonderful writing where you instantly get a feel for each of the characters.

Upon discovering a blue crystal staff with the power to heal, they soon find themselves on a quest to uncover the true meaning behind the staff – and the mysterious blue moon that has appeared in the sky.

Throughout their journey, the companions face many challenges and obstacles, including fierce battles with dragons, goblins, and other evil creatures.

As in any good story, they of course also encounter new friends and allies along the way, such as the half-elf Laurana and the knight Gilthanas.

When it comes to worldbuilding and lore, this book really stands out.

I understand that many of the details might seem commonplace nowadays, but this book was written in a different time. It should be judged in this context too.

The authors created a vast and complex world filled with unique cultures, races, and magical elements.

With a plot containing enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, you go along on an adventure with well-developed characters and each have their own distinct personality and background.

I cannot write a review about Dragonlance without spending a few words on my favorite character (perhaps all-time favorite) and that’s Raistlin.

He is so complex.

Despite the love for his brother, you are never quite sure if he is good or evil. Nor what happened in the past to make his health so poor.

If nothing else, this book is worth reading just because of Raistlin. He is THAT good a character.

Speaking of Raistlin and his brother Caramon, the novel is at its core a story about friendship and camaraderie.

The companions have a deep bond that is tested throughout, and are kept realistic and believable, adding emotional depth to the plot.

So, what do I think, now thirty years later?

Well, I’ve probably already given away how much I enjoyed this revisit to the world of Krynn.

Sure, the writing style is a bit different compared to present day, and despite some instances of head-hopping (when the reader is bouncing from one character’s thoughts to another in the same scene), it doesn’t take away from how Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a fantastic start to the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy.

It has everything a fantasy reader could want: magic, dragons, battles, friendship, and adventure. It is a classic tale of good versus evil, but with unique twists and memorable characters that make it stand out in the genre.

Highly recommended for fans of high fantasy.

Are you going to the Am Writing Fantasy Writer’s Getaway?!

Jesper and I have long wished for a live, in-person writer’s getaway.

It would be a place to share our knowledge of writing, plotting, and worldbuilding, combined with actual writing time. You know, when all of those problem that you hadn’t thought of asking a question about actually crop up! That way, we could balance practical writing steps with actual writing time and the opportunity for some one-on-one coaching. Doesn’t that sound amazing? We think so!

But first Covid hit, then continued… now, it’s here to stay? 🤷‍♀️

Well, we are tired of waiting! So, we’ve put a date on the calendar, organized an agenda, and chose a destination. Which means, you can reserve your spot NOW!

Our FIRST Writer’s Getaway will be held from Feb 17 – 19 in San Francisco. We have a packed agenda, which you can take a peek at here. And while we think the writing and plotting tips along with writing time and coaching sound great, what really makes this getaway special is you leave with a completed short story that is going to be included in a compilation that we will publish!

That’s right. The weekend is setup so that we worldbuild a setting where your story will be set as well as one character that needs to be featured in your short story. Then, during your writing time, you can develop a story, discuss any hurdles with us and fellow authors in attendance. We’ll collect the short stories at the end of the weekend (and give you time for an update, so don’t worry!) with plans to publish the compilation as a free book for readers.

You can read more about this unique compilation here!

We’d love to have you join us! You can preregister now. Join us for some great food, the amazing beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area, while learning and writing with fellow fantasy authors.

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Still time to get a MASSIVE writing course discount!

With 9 days to go, our Kickstarter to create the Write a Book e-Course is half funded! Wahoo!!

Many thanks go out to the 20+ supporters who are backing us… and also picking up some fantastic rewards at prices you just wouldn’t see on our website normally. 😲

If you are looking to access premium help with your writing, publishing, and book marketing, check out our Kickstarter and see what you can pick up by supporting us—and helping us to help even more authors! There are rewards like:

Book bundle on plotting and idea developmentWorkbooks on writing, map making, and character creationCharacter Creation e-courseStarter Kit e-course for writingAccess to the “Write a Book Course”—of course!Access to MasterclassesLive Q&A writing sessionsMaster Mailing Lists e-courseA virtual writing groupPrivate mentoring

With just over a week to go, your chance to pick up these great tools, training sessions, and more at a deep discount is nearly over. And so is our chance to create a new course, one where you’ll help to guide the content we pack into it. So, come check out the Kickstarter, pick up some wonderful rewards, and help us create something new to help even more authors.

We sincerely appreciate your support!

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New Release! How to Write the Best Book bundle is now available. 🎉

What is better than a new release? Well, how about one that will help your writing?! 💪🏻✍🏼

Oh, plus it is on sale until April 1st!

If that doesn’t get you excited, maybe hearing that How to Write the Best Book is a bundle of 3 of our bestselling books on writing will. Yup, we wrapped together the ace plotting (and sooo much more) book Plot Development, its workbook Plot Development: Step by Step, and Story Ideas into one complete package that will have you generating story ideas then using them to write amazing books!

Ok, I may be a tiny bit biased on how good these books are and how much they’ll help your writing, but you don’t have to just take my word for it. This is what readers have said:

“The book skillfully takes you through a process that works for many writers, and shows you some fantastic ways to get through some important but often overlooked parts in creating a good story.“ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Angie

“After reading, I immediately turned around and applied the whole process to my current work creating a better outline that even contained foreshadowing for the plot ahead within the next books.“ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kathryn

“If you’re like me and have many ideas floating around, but your not quite sure if they will ‘make it’ or if you’ll be wasting your time, you need this.” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Samantha

If that sounds like something you need, go check out our new bundle and pick it up at $5 off if you buy it before April 1st!

 

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Want a Premium Author Course on a Massive Discount?!?

It’s true! All of our premium author courses are on MASSIVE discount!And, you have the chance to request content for a brand-new writing course.Jesper and I have just launched our first ever Kickstarter. It’s been a bit daunting… 😱We’re looking to create a writing course where the students have a say in the curriculum.If this Kickstarter funds successfully, we’ll set to work, so this is your chance to get in, and at the same time, get some awesome rewards. Why do we want to create a new writing course?The reason is that we would love to dive deeper into the story structure itself. To teach you how to craft stories that ‘work.’A course like, The Ultimate Fantasy Writers Guide, will get you towards that goal, but the focus of that course is more on the writing and less on the development of a solid story. If you marry the ‘Write a Book’ course (which this Kickstarter is for) with The Ultimate Fantasy Writers Guide, you have an extremely solid foundation.In addition, the name, The Ultimate Fantasy Writers Guide, indicates that the course is for fantasy authors. This is somewhat true, although most of the teachings are applicable outside the fantasy genre.In comparison the “Write a Book” course, will not be limited to any genre and can be applied no matter what types of books you write or want to write.The intended audience for the ‘Write a Book” course is fledgling writers and experienced authors alike.Know that, whether you classify yourself as a writer (according to the dictionary, it’s a person who expresses ideas in writing) or an author (a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.) there’s always more to learn about writing. It’s a curvy and snarled journey through which you can keep growing.Our pledge to you is to teach you a step-by-step method that works. While the art of writing cannot be taught (it comes with practice) – story structure can!Support the Kickstarter today (at the end of the first week we are already over 20% funded! Wahoo!)

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Publishing and Writing Fantasy in Today‘s Market

The New York Times bestselling author, Anthony Ryan, joins the Am Writing Fantasy podcast for a discussion with Jesper about fantasy writing, publishing, and marketing books in today’s publishing landscape.

Find Ryan’s books here: https://anthonyryan.net/

Tune in for new episodes EVERY single Monday.

SUPPORT THE AM WRITING FANTASY PODCAST!

Please tell a fellow author about the show and visit us at Apple podcast and leave a rating and review.

Join us at www.patreon.com/AmWritingFantasy. For as little as a dollar a month, you’ll get awesome rewards and keep the Am Writing Fantasy podcast going.

Read the full transcript below.

(Please note that it’s automatically generated and while the AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).

Or you can listen to the podcast! There are several ways …

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts!The podcast player below. Just click play. Or scroll past it to read the full transcript (These are automatically generated and while AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).On Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or your fave podcast app. Just search for “Am Writing Fantasy.”You can listen on YouTube.

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Critical Reading of Jade City by Fonda Lee

Today we delve into the Nebula Award Nominated and bestselling book Jade City by Fonda Lee. What can this highly acclaimed AND popular novel teach us about worldbuildling, plotting, and characters? Join us and we share what we love, what we didn’t prefer, and our thoughts on this novel.

Tune in for new episodes EVERY single Monday.

SUPPORT THE AM WRITING FANTASY PODCAST! Please tell a fellow author about the show and visit us at Apple podcast and leave a rating and review.

Join us at www.patreon.com/AmWritingFantasy. For as little as a dollar a month, you’ll get awesome rewards and keep the Am Writing Fantasy podcast going.

Read the full transcript below.

(Please note that it’s automatically generated and while the AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).

Or you can listen to the podcast! There are several ways …

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts!The podcast player below. Just click play. Or scroll past it to read the full transcript (These are automatically generated and while AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).On Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or your fave podcast app. Just search for “Am Writing Fantasy.”You can listen on YouTube.

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The post Critical Reading of Jade City by Fonda Lee appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.

Breaking Mental Health & Race Stereotypes in Your Novel—with Iona Wayland

Do you wonder if you’ve avoided stereotypes in your writing and been appropriately sensitive to people of different races, ethnicities, or neurodivergent?

There are aspects to look for as you write and edit to make certain you are aware of how what you’ve written will be perceived. Plus, there are sensitivity readers who can help you out!

With special guest and sensitivity reader Iona Wayland, Autumn covers some tips from tying mental health to character arcs to checking yourself for outdated language which will help your writing cast aside stereotypes.

Find Iona on her website at https://ionawayland.wixsite.com/author and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iona.wayland/

Tune in for new episodes EVERY single Monday.

SUPPORT THE AM WRITING FANTASY PODCAST! Please tell a fellow author about the show and visit us at Apple podcast and leave a rating and review.

Join us at www.patreon.com/AmWritingFantasy. For as little as a dollar a month, you’ll get awesome rewards and keep the Am Writing Fantasy podcast going.

Read the full transcript below.

(Please note that it’s automatically generated and while the AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).

Or you can listen to the podcast! There are several ways …

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts!The podcast player below. Just click play. Or scroll past it to read the full transcript (These are automatically generated and while AI is super cool, it isn’t perfect. There may be misspellings or incorrect words on occasion).On Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or your fave podcast app. Just search for “Am Writing Fantasy.”You can listen on YouTube.

var podscribeEmbedVars = { epId: 81898486, backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };

The post Breaking Mental Health & Race Stereotypes in Your Novel—with Iona Wayland appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.