Jesper Schmidt's Blog, page 4
September 20, 2021
Tips on Book Marketing to Different Generations
Sure, you can target ads by keywords, age, and gender… but have you ever thought about what all that means? Not every generation is the same or will respond to the same tactics!
In this week’s episode, we take a look at the different trends of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Where do they hang out online? What are their spending habits? What key phrases will get them to buy your book… or cause them to run away in disgust? You might be surprised at which generation is the most ready to buy your book, what it takes to actually hook Gen X… or why KU might be the best fit if you write YA!
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/38a5a217...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post Tips on Book Marketing to Different Generations appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
September 13, 2021
What to do Every Day to Become a Better Writer
The Internet is filled with advice for how to become a better writer. Some are good, others not so much.
In this episode of the Am Writing Fantasy podcast, Autumn and Jesper share the best of them and try their hardest to agree on one winning tip. It’s not as easy as it might sound.
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/cf3e97eb...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post What to do Every Day to Become a Better Writer appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
September 7, 2021
Top 10 WORST Powers to Have
It’s time for another of our humorously competitive top ten lists! This time Jesper and Autumn go head to head to see who can come up with the worst power to have—you know, the one that makes you think maybe NOT having any magic might not be such a bad thing. 🤣
Join us for some laughs and then comment to let us know who you think won the battle!
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/6568144d...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post Top 10 WORST Powers to Have appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 30, 2021
How to Get a Literary Agent for Your Book (with Jane Friedman)
What kind of stories are agents interested in? How do you find an agent and how do you know if the person is any good? And what about your publishing contract? What should you be mindful about there?
All these questions, and many more, are answered in this episode of the Am Writing Fantasy podcast by Jane Friedman.
Links to what was mentioned in the episode:
QueryTracker: http://querytracker.net
Duotrope: http://duotrope.com
Publishers Marketplace: http://publishersmarketplace.com
Not discussed during the interview, but this one is interesting as well: http://mswishlist.com
You can find Jane at: http://janefriedman.com
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/96a98476...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post How to Get a Literary Agent for Your Book (with Jane Friedman) appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 26, 2021
Dark Night of the Soul
This week as we continue our journey through story structure, we are tackling the second pivot point of the novel with the New Info Phase—which is often referred to as the Dark Night of the Soul! 😱
The first plot turning was during the Inciting Incident. This is why it is so important that the mini-short story of the Intro DOESN’T have the result that is anticipated. It must cast the character forward into the unknown and drag the reader along with her/him.
After that, the character moves into the Reaction Phase, which is the very poor attempt of the main character to adapt to the changed circumstances of her/his life. Not much positive happens in this phase, unless you count managing to survive as a plus! During it, there are usually new friends, helpers, and allies who appear. They keep the character from stumbling too far into the abyss. But the overall tone is one of struggle and barely scraping by.
What’s next?
The Dark Night of the SoulAs I hinted at above, this phase really has two faces. It is also called the New Info phase in the Seven Steps of Story Structure, but how can I not use “The Dark Night of the Soul” as a dramatic title to introduce you to it? 🤣
The names hint at what this important moment in the story is about—something dramatic occurs. Specifically, news that is so earth shattering or a tragedy so soul shaking sends the main character in a new direction. It is that simple… well, nothing in writing is ever that simple. This moment ties in a lot with character arcs as well as the plot. And, just as importantly…
IT CANNOT GO ON TOO LONG!The reaction phase is important, but it is exhausting. You don’t want your main character to become the “victim” who can never succeed without tons of mentors and guides. How boring! Plus, it doesn’t fulfill the character arc!
All the events during the reaction phase are designed to thwart the main character from getting an easy win of their outer motivation. Instead, life keeps batting them down until they realize their true purpose and meaning of their hidden inner motivation.
And this turning point, the 4th phase of the Seven Steps of Story Structure, is the revelation of the inner motivation and the enlightment of the main character to how foolish and lost they have acted since the inciting incident, both in blindly pursuing the outer motivation AND in just wanting to go back to whatever it is they are yearning for from their life prior to the inciting incident (security, family, friends, recognition, etc).
But because it is a turning point, the moment doesn’t go on too long. Instead, it is something incredibly impactful that leaves the main character reeling, whether because it is a startling revelation or the loss of someone dear. This shouldn’t take chapters to accomplish but come swiftly and overwhelming in one chapter.
New Info or Dark Night of the Soul?Now, how the revelation comes is the heart of what type of phase this is, and a bit about what type of story you are writing.
If you are writing noblebright, this fourth step often comes as New Info. It may be exciting! It might be a bucket of cold water in the face as a wake-up call. In other words, it runs from pieces of the puzzle clicking to a big moment or even a stumbling block that, when recognized, begins the next part of the journey.
If you are writing something a bit darker or are dealing with deeper subject matter (or a really stubborn character that will need a BIG pivot to change), this stage is often called the Dark Night of the Soul and is brought about by terrible, tragic, and stupid loss. The character’s best friend or mentor on the journey dies from either an ill conceived action (like not listening to good advice) or as a sacrifice to save the main character. And it HURTS.
The character breaks down, recognizes their demons, their shallow pursuits, and vows to change. They might not have full awareness of the inner motivation, but they are put on the right path to recognizing it.
You have to pick which revelation fits your story, the plot, its tone, and is enough to spur the main character forward with a plan toward the newly understood inner motivation. What does that phase look like? That is the Planning Phase and we’ll look at next.
For now, let’s jump back to our goat girl. This story is feeling a bit YA to me. That doesn’t preclude death or other deep moments (look at Harry Potter!) BUT, I’m leaning toward a New Info sort of discovery instead of a Dark Night of the Soul Moment. Plus, I think it should be something not quite as obvious as untutored kids conjuring something in the woods and causing chaos. The goal is to tie this turning point with the larger arc of the story as well as propelling the character forward to become a new person and complete their arc.
So instead of childish shenanigans, the arch-mage from the beginning of the story comes to the island to check on the students, especially the main character, whose abilities intrigues him. Along with him comes his new protege, the girl’s arch-nemesis from her previous school.
At first, the main character is incredibly jealous, seeing her arch-nemesis standing serenely behind this master mage. But our heroine’s new friend points out the arch-nemesis looks almost zombie like. The arch-mage’s new protege doesn’t actually recognize her old “friend,” nor remember anything about life in the town.
When the arch-mage’s attention lands squarely on the main character, the teacher who had remained in the background protects her. For once, our intrepid main character, sensing something amiss, accepts the teacher’s help to appear unskilled and unruly—something she never would have done in the past.
This one chapter, because this is all that the New Info or Dark Night of the Soul should encompass, ends with the teacher joining the band of renegade students to help hide their magic as well as to train them, so they don’t become the mindless zombies that exist simply to feed their power to the arch-mage, who grows stronger with each apprentice claimed and sucked dry.
And that is it for this short but impactful turning point of the novel!
For more tips on plotting, check out our Plot Development Book! Learn not only how to plot, but how to create characters, align them with character arcs, and tie the character’s journey with your plot to create tension filled, character-driven fiction!
The post Dark Night of the Soul appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 23, 2021
Does Race & Gender REALLY Matter in Fantasy?
Dominic asked a question in our Patreon group and we answered with this episode! Does race and gender really matter in fantasy?
We take a look at the history of fantasy up through modern trends, looking at how fantasy has changed and is still changing. This simple question leads to an outcome that surprises Jesper… how important do you think race, gender, and sexuality are in fiction?
And a big thank you to Dominic for the question! We really appreciate having you with us on Patreon. ❤️
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/5060c1fd...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post Does Race & Gender REALLY Matter in Fantasy? appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 18, 2021
Book Pre sales vs Pre orders
What is the difference between preselling your book and making it available as a preorder on sites like Amazon? Is one better than the other?
Tune in to the Am Writing Fantasy podcast, episode 138, where Autumn and Jesper share the result of a recent experiment, using the pre sales function as mentioned by Mark Coker, the CEO and founder of Smashwords, in episode 118.
If you’re interested in the $150 discount voucher, to be used for any of the Am Writing Fantasy premium courses, sign up via this link: https://www.subscribepage.com/awfnews...
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/f1181666...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post Book Pre sales vs Pre orders appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 15, 2021
Your Chance to Win a Copy of Bestselling Plot Development!
Do you want to write a stronger story?
If so we have the book—and giveaway!—for you. We are currently running a Goodreads giveaway for our bestselling book, Plot Development: An Outlining Method for Fiction. If you’ve wanted to pick up a kindle version of this very practical and step-by-step book, now is your chance to put your name in to win a copy.
Only 50 copies are being given away with winners selected on August 30. So hurry to enter!
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Plot Developmentby Jesper SchmidtGiveaway ends August 30, 2021.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Would you like to worry less about plot holes and weak characters?
Some writers shy away from outlining, believing it their worst nightmare, and state that time is better spent writing a novel than planning it. Then there are those who’ve tried plotting, perhaps more than a few times, only to get lost in the weeds and overwhelmed by frustration.
Stories that work all follow a certain structure; you just need to learn how to apply it.
Plot Development is a step-by-step guide which will teach you:
How to decide on the number of characters to include in your novelHow to make each character come alive with their own wants and needsHow to choose between different types of outlinesHow to develop engaging events and where to place them within your storyHow to enhance your plot with potent subplotsHow to build chapters, designed to deliver an immersing experience for the readerHow to review and edit your outline to make it even betterHow to enrich your opening and closing chaptersIncluded are seven bonus chapters, covering important topics like: theme, beta readers, short story plotting, and much more. Additionally, you’ll be able to download an outline template to provide an in-depth guide for your plotting. No more getting lost in those weeds!
Plot Development is brought to you by two bestselling authors, who have published more than twenty novels between them.
Leverage the power of story structure and take your writing to the next level.
The post Your Chance to Win a Copy of Bestselling Plot Development! appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 9, 2021
How to Maintain Your Story’s Flow
No matter how fast you type, you can’t write an entire novel in one day. So how do you keep your story’s flow going?
From character traits to how to pick up writing where you left off, we go over tips to help you pull your story together so you can keep writing without letting readers feel something is disjointed.
Join our newsletter to receive a coupon for one of our premium writing and book marketing courses at https://www.subscribepage.com/awfnewsletter
Learn more about the changes Apple is making to email settings at https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/8/22525195/apple-mail-protection-privacy-pixel-tracking-newsletters-substack
Learn more about maintaining your story’s flow on our blog at https://www.amwritingfantasy.com/how-to-maintain-your-story-flow/!
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/d02a5d61...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post How to Maintain Your Story’s Flow appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
August 2, 2021
Top 10 Worst Characters EVER!
It’s time for one of Autumn and Jesper’s very entertaining episodes.
This time they have prepared competing lists of the WORST characters they’ve ever encountered in either works of fiction or movies and TV series.
Tune in to episode 136 of the Am Writing Fantasy and judge who you think have the best of the worst listed.
As mentioned during the episode a massive discount for the premium writing course and worldbuilding course will be offered to those on the email list. If you want to get your hands on the discount voucher, make sure to sign up right away. Here’s the direct link: https://www.subscribepage.com/awfnews...
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 = { epGuid: 'amwritingfantasy.podbean.com/bd9392a4...', rssUrl: 'https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.amwr...', backgroundColor: 'white', font: undefined, fontColor: undefined, speakerFontColor: undefined, height: '600px', showEditButton: false, showSpeakers: true, showTimestamps: true };
The post Top 10 Worst Characters EVER! appeared first on AmWritingFantasy.
