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January 27, 2025

The Art of Editing Speculative Fiction with Kristin Noland

The Art of Editing Speculative Fiction with Kristin Noland – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 137

“What if we could travel to a different galaxy? And then that’s what the book is about. What if there were superheroes in the world? What if women ruled the world? Those types of things. It’s the what if question and the answers.” – Kristin Noland

In this episode, How To Write the Future podcast host, Beth Barany, talks to developmental and line editor Kristin Noland about the definition of speculative fiction, the importance of setting, and how asking “what if” can have a big impact on your world-building and story development.

RESOURCES

Related Episode: What If… and Your Brain: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2022/11/07/18-what-if-and-your-brain/

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/

Get support for your fiction writing by a novelist and writing teacher and coach. Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/

About the How To Write the Future podcast

The How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers. This podcast is for readers too if you’re at all curious about the future of humanity.

This podcast is for you if you have questions like:

– How do I create a believable world for my science fiction story?

– How do I figure out what’s not working if my story feels flat?

– How do I make my story more interesting and alive?

This podcast is for readers too if you’re at all curious about the future of humanity.

About Kristin Noland

Kristin is a developmental and line editor who works with women authors of speculative and crime fiction and guides them on how to structure and tighten up their novels so they can give readers an entertaining and immersive experience. She’s edited over seventy books, including two bestsellers. With her caring and encouraging editing style, she helps authors create engaging and exciting novels!

Collection of free author resources, including a worldbuilding guide and an editing flowchart. https://www.nolandediting.com/author-resources

Website: https://www.nolandediting.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.noland.146/

X: https://twitter.com/KristinNoland99

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noland_editing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinnoland/

You can follow me on Threads at noland_editing

Transcript for The Art of Editing Speculative Fiction with Kristin Noland

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone. Welcome back to How To Write the Future Podcast. I’m your host Beth Barany, and I am an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer. I’m also a creativity coach for writers, a developmental editor, a podcaster, a filmmaker.

So very excited today to have a special guest. I just wanna let you know that this podcast, How To Write the Future podcast is for people who want to, it’s specifically for writers, science fiction and fantasy writers who want to create positive, optimistic futures because I believe that when we vision what is possible through our stories, we help make it so.

So, introducing our guest today.

[00:40] Meet Our Guest: Kristin Noland

BETH BARANY: Kristin Noland. Welcome Kristin.

KRISTIN NOLAND: Hi. Thank you very much.

BETH BARANY: So glad to have you here. So I’m gonna share with everyone, your wonderful bio.

Kristin Nolan is a developmental and line editor who works with women authors of speculative and crime fiction and guides them on how to structure and tighten their novels so they can give readers an entertaining and immersive experience. She’s edited over 70 books, including two bestsellers, and with her caring and encouraging editing style, she helps authors create engaging and exciting novels.

So stay tuned to the end where we’ll let you know how you can stay in touch with Kristin.

So today Kristin and I are gonna talk about speculative fiction and, we’re gonna dive a little deeper into that using, Kristin, your wonderful experience as an editor. Thank you again for being here.

KRISTIN NOLAND: You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.

BETH BARANY: And I also, wanna let you know and also let the listeners know that I actually write sci-fi mysteries. So I have taken science fiction and mysteries and I’ve mushed them together and I’m really writing police procedurals set in in a near future, it’s a little over a hundred years from now .

KRISTIN NOLAND: That’s fascinating to me. I’m just this morning was working on my novel. It’s a magical, mystery slash crime novel. So it’s got the magic in it as well as just the, regular mysteries. So, I love that. That’s actually one of my favorite genres to read. So let’s dive into it.

[02:07] Defining Speculative Fiction

BETH BARANY: For those who don’t know, and maybe even for those who do know, can you define for us what is speculative fiction?

KRISTIN NOLAND: Sure. It is quite a vast genre. And I think a lot of people don’t know what all it entails, but science fiction is in there, of course. and fantasy, also horror, the utopian, dystopian genres, alternate histories, time travel, superhero, those type of books. All of that is under the speculative fiction umbrella right now.

So it’s basically answering and asking “what if.” So what if we could travel to a different galaxy. And then that’s what the book is about. What if there were superheroes in the world? What if women ruled the world? Like those types of things. It’s the what if question and the answers.

And a lot of it tackles society’s issues, either past issues or current issues or the future issues,if we have imagination of what a future issue would be. So it really encompasses all of that. I really enjoy the genre and other people’s imaginations on things. Yeah, that’s speculative fiction.

BETH BARANY: Love it. And I love your encapsulation of, it’s the what if, and then tied with an issue, past, present, or future. I love that so much because that’s where I’ve always been living since I was little. As a reader and also as a writer pretty much. So for you,why speculative fiction? What draws you to it? Both as a writer and as an editor? I imagine also as a reader.

[03:39] What draws you to speculative fiction?

KRISTIN NOLAND: Yeah. I think it is that. Different people’s outlooks on what an issue is and how it can be changed and made better. Like I said, most of them are societal issues that, that are addressed in, in these books.

And I think society does have many issues and we are trying to progress, but we haven’t gotten there yet. We haven’t made a utopian society yet, and I’d be honestly shocked because what’s one person’s utopia is another person’s dystopia. So yeah. I think it’s the alternate world that a lot of them show us, and I think that’s interesting to me.

I can really get immersed in another world and it could still be based on Earth. It doesn’t have to be based anywhere else, but it’s a whole different world that the author creates. And I really enjoy learning about what they think is a problem and how they see it as solutions can happen.

It also sparks me to take a step further in my life to make that change. So I find that very appealing. To read and edit and write. This is my first book though.Let’s not expect great things from this first one that I’m writing. But, yeah, I’m pretty excited about it though.

[04:48] Storytelling Elements special yo Speculative Fiction

BETH BARANY: Exciting. Yeah. and you said a little bit already in the answer to this next question, which is what storytelling elements are highlighted in speculative fiction? I don’t know if you were referring to the what if quality, but yeah. Can you tell us more

[05:03] The Importance of Setting in Speculative Fiction

KRISTIN NOLAND: Definitely, the what if quality, but also in speculative fiction is the fantastical or futuristic settings.

So the setting is a large part as well because in speculative fiction, the characters world that they live in, whether it’s, a different government society or if it’s out its space or if it’s in a fantastical land with blue grass and a pink sky or whatever, the setting needs to impact the characters.

And so that’s important. So what surrounds them will impact them because it also encompasses environmental fiction. They’re in those ones the environment is really huge in impacting their lives. So that’s also important.

BETH BARANY: Can you give me an example, either drawn from your own writing or from something that you’ve read?

Maybe a famous book even where the setting impacts the characters, because I think this, you’re so right and this is such a great point.

KRISTIN NOLAND: The setting impacts the characters. Yeah.

BETH BARANY: It makes me think about something like Lord of the Rings, where it’s a big wandering story through all this different setting that impacts the, in terms of environmental challenges or even, like you were saying, an environmental fiction or eco fiction.

The characters are Dealing with real ecological issues and problems. Or like in my stories –most of the stories are set on space stations, or at least these four books here in the first four books of the Janey McCallister series. It’s all on a space station. So it has constraints, it has space constraints.

I’m really leaning into the locked room mystery ’cause that’s essentially what is, yeah. It’s in a huge environment. I deal with, a space walk. I deal with, depressurization. The way the space station was actually built provides a setting, and part of the mystery for one of the books. So the way the station environment is organized is the world in which my characters play in, and it defines who comes and how they come there.

And, it impacts all the story in a lot of different ways. So is that what you’re talking about?

KRISTIN NOLAND: Yes, it is. Thank you. Setting can impact in basically any genre. but to use some of my favorite examples, 1984, that’s my absolute favorite. It was a warning. Not a way to go, people, but the setting there very much impacts because Big Brother is always watching.

And so that’s something that back then it didn’t actually happen that way. There was influence and such, but nothing was in people’s homes like it is now. So I think somebody watching everything you do and the people looking out for the things that you say and everything like that was hugely impactful on that story.

So imagine a story that there wouldn’t have been people to tell about, the thought crimes and, That kind of thing. So if they didn’t have those people informing, then part of the story wouldn’t have been as impactful. and that was part of that setting. The fake wars that were going on, I’m giving away a bunch of stuff for the book, the fake wars that they were having also, that impacted their lives ’cause they thought it was real.

And he even had the military trucks with the soldiers coming back in them. And although there was no war actually happening, so that setting and he pulled that in from military experiences that were going on at the time as well.

So I think things like that. The Hunger Games, that was huge with all different types of settings. And it really showed how a jungle setting would be different than, maybe a desert setting would impact how they survived. And so that was huge, part of that story.

So It definitely makes a difference in your, writing. Another one would be The Handmaid’s Tale.It was still the United States, but it was much different.

And in Canada everything seemed to be going as we knew it originally, but in the United States, things had flipped. So there that setting of that really impacted,even though they were normal houses and everything. They were set up in old buildings and repurposed and that kind of setting pulled that in too.

BETH BARANY: Ah, that’s so great. Yeah. I really love this whole conversation around how setting impacts the story so intently. It’s something that I see in beginning writers, encouraging them to get really specific and also understand how did it become that way. yeah.

[09:29] World Building and Character Development

BETH BARANY: Is there any other storytelling elements that are highlighted in speculative fiction?

KRISTIN NOLAND: The characters of course, are gonna be big as in everything else. Yeah. So the world building, the characters and the plot, yeah, everything goes together as you well know, and as every author knows., everything is all together. in that.

In most genres, sub genres, it needs to take a step back, the world building for the characters to evolve and into the plot. That said, there’s fantasy and sci-fi, where it’s a huge part. High fantasy is setting is probably a quarter of the book because you’re describing these huge fantastical things that need a lot of description and readers love that.

So those three things I think in speculative fiction in the world, the characters, and the plot.These characters dealing with the world the way it is in these books, that’s what drives the plot. It’s the characters and their surroundings.

BETH BARANY: And when I say setting, I don’t just mean a description of a mountain. I mean the world that they live in with the rulers and, their neighbors and those kind of things. Yeah. And when you said the rulers, it made me think of one of the questions that I have in a resource for all our listeners, which is the World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers, and which is the power structure. What is the power structure? How did it come to be? What maintains it? Who wins, who loses?

And something that I’m thinking a lot about is,who or what had to lose for this power structure to come into place? So I’m world building. My story world trying to come up with a backstory that takes place in 2060 for a story that takes place in I think it’s 2133 is the current book I’m working on and it’s our future.

So I’m also working on what if in our future, in our near future, 30 plus years from now. But it’s my character’s backstory when this big thing happens. and I’m thinking all about power structures and environmental issues, space junk, and

And what if this and what if that? And doing lots of research. because that is our setting, that’s a big, pivotal thing that’s gonna happen in my story that shapes the events of the character.

KRISTIN NOLAND: That’s very important. I worked on a novel where, people with disabilities, they were the ones who were ruling society and the people who didn’t have a disability were considered less than. And so that was interesting. And for me it took place a little too fast ’cause it was only like 20 years in the future or so. And I asked them how the change happened, how we went from one thing to the complete opposite and the author didn’t have an answer to that.

And I was like, it’s a great story. It’s a great premise, but you’re gonna have to have some supporting facts. Your made up facts, Yeah. But it has to be plausible. And so that was something that she needed to work on with that plausibility of how it became to be, because as we know, that’s a struggle to get a power change.

[12:33] Research Tips for Speculative Fiction Writers

KRISTIN NOLAND: How do authors research or for speculative fiction, what do you recommend?

I recommend looking at past societal issues and past problems with things. Let’s say we’re having, right now, there’s the gender issue, and it’s been coming to light for a little bit now, again. This all happened before and we made slight advancements, but we’re not making the big advancement that we need. So researching how that hap came about before, what people tried and how they succeeded in some areas and failed in others can help you get an idea for how to structure your story and how we can make it.

Go even further and how much advancement we’re actually going to get in the next 20, 30, 50 years, whatever the storyline is. But it’s the research into what people did before. With, let’s say even like a battle scene, or, something like a war. you would wanna see what wars were similar to that.

And so you can pick up on the structure, the plans that they had, what worked, what didn’t in order to make your story different with. How it turns out. or maybe the same, maybe people wanna have, say, here history’s repeating itself and it’s gonna be exactly the same outcome as we had before, is also an idea.

But researching those things, it’s very important to the story. Even if you have something like a. Massive tsunami that happens. You need to look at the devastation that causes in multiple things, because, granted you’ve got a lot of water, but that water also sparks fires. So now you have a fires and you have that, and people need to deal with both of them.

Or maybe somebody just has to deal with one in a different place and they, the water is less important to them. They’re dealing with the fire, or maybe it’s the aftermath where things are just covered in salt water and now you have a problem with your water. Being fresh water or, and being contaminated with salt water.

And you have to figure out how to get all those things out, those impurities out of it. So you have drinking water, all of those kind of things you need to research so that your story’s plausible. It’s all about plausibility with those things. So you wanna make sure that you have the factual evidence to back up your story that’s, taking it a step further or two steps further.

But you wanna have that basis still there in the factual research. That’s great.

BETH BARANY: I think that’s really helpful.

I’ve been researching a lot for crime fiction. I have books here for crime scenes forensics and police procedurals, so that, I have that basis of knowledge for my story. So yeah, I’m doing that research which. Is fascinating to me. Me, yeah.

KRISTIN NOLAND: The police procedurals not so much, but the forensics is extremely fascinating And how they work, the crime scene is really cool too. yeah, just because you’re writing speculative fiction doesn’t mean you can’t have this crime thing in there.

BETH BARANY: Is there anything else about world building or, creating a society that is around our characters, in speculative fiction that you want to address?

[15:48] Pacing in the Speculative Fiction Genre

KRISTIN NOLAND: I would say that most readers of the speculative fiction genre like fast-paced novels. So pacing is huge in it. Now high fantasy is probably, people probably want a little bit less in high fantasy, less fast-paced, or slower paced, because you need all of those descriptions in high fantasy.

Pacing involves action scenes as well as the follow-up scenes. So the fast and slow, but in speculative fiction, there’s going to be a faster pace overall, not quite as fast as thriller’s pretty fast. Or horror, but it’s going to be, and horror is in this, but horror is, like I said, like high fantasy needs a little slower.

Horror’s gonna need a little faster pacing. So pacing is also something that you wanna take into account when you’re putting all your plot and all that into Yeah, since it’s all meshed together with one thing leads to another and when editing there’s, I pick up on so much stuff that deals with character and I may even put into a character subheading, some world building because of the effects that it has on the characters, that it should be affecting them more so characterization encompasses a lot. It pulls in point of view and tone and all that into the character subheading in some of my editorial letters and such. Yeah, it all comes together. But, pacing is another one that I would say that people need to think about when they’re writing speculative fiction.

BETH BARANY: That sounds great. And, I should let our listeners know that you’ve written a post, for my blog on Writer’s Fun Zone on ah, here it is: “What to Expect from Professional Editing.” And so we’ll reference that in the notes for the show.

Listeners, Kristin is an editor and you’re a specialist, which I love that you’re a specialist. It helps refer people to you, I would imagine the writers feel really safe because you’re, speculative fiction, crime fiction, and those are your two specialties, which is so awesome.

And something I’ve been writing for the last gosh. How long has it been now? Since 20 16. Eight years. Yeah. So I’ve been deep in this space. And, so happy that you’re here.

Really the big question is when are they ready for you?

[18:02] Editing and Preparing Your Manuscript

KRISTIN NOLAND: As a developmental editor, that’s the big picture editing, so things for plot, characterization, character arcs and world building, those kinds of things. That’s the developmental editing. To be ready for that, you should have a finished book.

I prefer to have one that’s probably in its second to third draft, but there are times where I have clients who’ve finished the book or they’re so close to finishing and they’re just not sure how to wrap it up, and they need some help with that. So I can also help with brainstorming ideas on how to finish the novel.

But what I really like is to have them have not just written the full story, but gone back through and tried to catch any plot holes that might be there, or add some conflict that wasn’t strong enough. Or make sure that their characters have goals and motivations for what they do and something that they want versus what they need.

I come across a lot of wants and needs that are the same or very similar, and that doesn’t quite work. So I would prefer them to have most of those things worked out to the best, and it’s only to the best of their ability. So if they have done the best that they can, that’s when you seek an editor in general.

Once you’ve done everything that you can, then you go and find an editor for you. Now, line editing comes after the developmental, so all of the plot issues are figured out. The characters are deep and well-rounded and all of that stuff is good. And then line editing is where I look at each paragraph, each line of the paragraph, and make sure that it flows.

From one to the other, make sure the chapters flow well together. And then sentence variation as well. So a lot of subject verb sentence structures is great. but we do need to have some other things mixed in there, so that it doesn’t become repetitive reading. And so that’s what I do. I help mold the language a little differently so it’s a better read. Yeah. I do not change the author’s tone or their voice, or their style, but I just tweak it and adjust it to be able to have an easier read, and make sure things are clear for the reader so that they can enjoy the book.

BETH BARANY: That’s great. That’s really great. So if people want to find you and reach out and get support, where can they go?

Nolanediting.com is my website. If you wanna learn a little bit more about me, I do have an about page and I also have a portfolio that you can look and see what I’ve worked on so far.

KRISTIN NOLAND: Those are just the published books, though that’s hard for an editor. When you see their portfolio and maybe there’s only 10 things on their portfolio. That doesn’t mean they’ve only edited 10 books. They may have edited 50 books, but 10 of them are published, so we can’t advertise the names of books that aren’t published yet, or pictures of books that haven’t been published yet.

say that I’ve edited over 70 books because I have, but there’s only like 25 or something published so far. I have a YouTube channel, also. And I’m on Threads and LinkedIn. Those are the ones where I’m active on.

That’s great. That’s so wonderful. And so I encourage listeners if you want support and you’re ready for editing to reach out to Kristin.

[21:30] Final Thoughts and Resources

BETH BARANY: So for our audience, is there any last tips that you would like to give them about, how they can orient themselves as a writer and just keep going? Any words of advice for our writers out there.

KRISTIN NOLAND: You hear the advice a lot that says, write what you know and that doesn’t mean write your life story. It means write things that you’re familiar with. One of my characters loves antique furniture, and I love antique furniture. so I’ve built that in so I can write a little bit about what I enjoy about it. so I can describe those things in the way I see them.

So when I say write what you know, do your research. Make sure you have your facts straight so that you can adjust and tweak those into your story, and it makes it plausible.

BETH BARANY: Wonderful. I love that as a theme for today’s episode of the amount of research that actually goes into writing these stories. I love it. I just wanna thank you so much, Kristin, for being with us today And I just wanna invite everybody who’s listening to check out the World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers. And that’s a free workbook, downloadable for you. Great, everyone. So signing off. Write Long and prosper.

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***ABOUT BETH BARANY

Beth Barany teaches science fiction and fantasy novelists how to write, edit, and publish their books as a coach, teacher, consultant, and developmental editor. She’s an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and runs the podcast, “How To Write The Future.”

Learn more about Beth Barany at these sites:

Author site / Coaching site / School of Fiction / Writer’s Fun Zone blog

CONNECT

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CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://www.descript.com?lmref=_w1WCA (Refer-a-Friend link)MUSIC CREDITS : Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/fuzz-buzz License code: UMMKDRL02DFGKJ0L. “Fuzz buzz” by Soundroll. Commercial license: https://musicvine.com/track/soundroll/fuzz-buzz.DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465 (Refer-a-Friend link)SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

C 2024 BETH BARANY

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Published on January 27, 2025 06:21

January 24, 2025

How To Finish Reading a Book by LA Bourgeois

Let’s welcome back LA Bourgeois as she shares with us “How To Finish Reading a Book.” Enjoy!

***

Want to read more books but just can’t make yourself do it? Maybe an aspirational list of books from recommended lists from 2022, 2023, 2024?

Perhaps a stack of half-read books, writing craft or some other journaling ones where the first (or second) exercise stumped you and…I SURRENDER! *waves white flag*

Yes? Yes! You are not alone.

Personally, my stack of writing craft, creativity research, and author business books might kill a small animal if it fell on them.

But, I do make progress through my TBR.

That perilous stack remains high only because I keep adding new books to it. And I feel free to do that because I maintain a reading habit that enables me to finish books on a regular basis.

In this system, reading the whole book is the most important thing.

By reading the whole book, you get a sense of the entirety of the writer’s intent. You discover the points that speak to you, learn tools that can transform your work, find inspirational quotes to hang on your wall or post on your desk. And just by reading the work, the ideas will begin to be integrated into your own writing.

Let’s get started!

Set a Regular Page or Time Goal

Ten pages a day, five days a week tends to be a good goal to start from.

Is ten pages a day too many? Go down to five. Or two. Or one. Or maybe you can do more? How about a chapter a day?

I like ten because I can read ten pages pretty quickly. This amount of pages allows me to dig in just deep enough while not bogging down.

Sometimes I hit the end of a chapter before the ten pages are up.

Great. That’s it for me for the day.

But also, if I have a book with chapters that are longer than ten but less than fifteen pages, I‘ll read the whole chapter if I have the time.

Remember, the number of pages is more of a guideline than a goal.

Don’t feel like you have to push yourself to read more than the number you set for yourself. You’ve done the work if you’ve read to your goal pages.

Now, maybe setting a page goal doesn’t work for you.

Perhaps you only have a certain amount of time that you can devote to reading, or you’re reading the book in audio form.

In that case, just decide how long you can spend reading each day-ish and do that.

Note the “day-ish” and “five days per week.” This is not an every single day thing.

You want to set a goal for yourself that’s easy to maintain–something that’s so easy that it’s almost easier to do it than to skip it.

Read Straight Through

Most of these books have journaling prompts, exercises, and other ways to engage with the author.

No. Stopping.

Read the book straight through. Don’t allow the exercises and prompts to seduce you. Keep on reading

Which brings me to my final point:

Read With Tools

As you read, write in the margins, underline or highlight quotes, use tape flags or digital bookmarks to mark pages you want to return to, and Keep Reading.

By the time you finish the book, you may have a tome with writing on every page and a forest of tape flags. Or you may have a couple of underlined sentences and a single bookmark.

When you finish the book, you can go back and do the exercises.

You can find that quote on that page that you want to include as an epigraph at the beginning of that chapter.

That prompt on page 142 may actually uncover the key to your novel’s premise.

But you may also find that a book didn’t fulfill its promise.

That you learned just enough to improve one little part of your writing and, while you’re glad you read it, none of the exercises appealed and you’re ready to let the book go now. It doesn’t even need to stay in your library.

Using this method, I tend to finish a book each month.

The point of this exercise is to read books that we feel like we need to read. For me, that’s often ones on the craft and business of being a writer.

If this sounds like fun and you’d like some accountability and community around this process, you can join us at The Thriving Creative as we read craft books through the year. The January book is You Don’t Need a Budget by Dana Miranda (which is speaks about money in a way that invites creativity).

See you in the reading room!

***

ABOUT LA BOURGEOIS

LA (as in tra-la-la) Bourgeois is a Kaizen-Muse Certified Creativity Coach and author who helps clients embrace the joy of their creative work and thrive while doing it.

Get more of her creativity ideas and techniques by subscribing to her newsletter at https://subscribepage.io/unlockyourcreativity.

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Published on January 24, 2025 03:02

January 21, 2025

3 Myths About Publishing Contracts by Kelley Way

Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Kelley Way as she shares with us “3 Myths About Publishing Contracts.” Enjoy!

***

Getting a contract from a publisher is exciting, especially for an unpublished author. However, some misconceptions about how these contracts work can lead to bitterness or regret later on. Here are some common myths people have about publishing contracts.

1. You can’t negotiate your publishing contract.

Authors, particularly authors looking at their first publishing contract, often assume that these contracts are nonnegotiable; they can either sign what’s handed to them or they have to walk away.

This is not true.

While authors often have less bargaining power than the publisher, they can and should ask for modifications to fit their circumstances better.

Publishers will negotiate these requested modifications, but if they’re unwilling even to discuss any changes you should be concerned if this is a publisher you want to work with.

2. Verbal promises are part of the publishing contract.

A publisher can promise the moon and stars over the phone, but it’s not binding if it’s not in the written contract.

Written promises outside the contract (e.g., a promise made over email) might be enforceable, but it depends on the circumstances and the judge making the decision.

The only way to be certain a promise will be carried out is to have it clearly stated in the contract itself. If a provision is important to you, make sure it’s in the document you’re signing.

3. You can always change or get out of your contract.

Once the contract is signed, you are bound by its terms.

The only modifications you can make from that point are the modifications the contract allows.

You can only terminate the contract if it allows it and the conditions in the contract are met.

If you’re unhappy with the contract and didn’t include a provision allowing you to terminate, you’re stuck with it for the foreseeable future.

This is why it’s so important to understand what you’re signing and to make sure the contract includes a method for you to back out if things are not going well.

Keep all this in mind, but don’t let it discourage you. Publishing contracts are something to be excited about; they shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. With a bit of discernment and some expert guidance, you can confidently move forward on your publishing journey.

If you would like help reviewing or negotiating your contract, please get in touch with me at kaway@kawaylaw.com.

***

Want to read more articles like this one Writer’s Fun Zone? Subscribe here.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelley Way was born and raised in Walnut Creek, California. She graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. in English, followed by a Juris Doctorate. Kelley is a member of the California Bar, and an aspiring writer of young adult fantasy novels. More information at kawaylaw.com.

The post 3 Myths About Publishing Contracts by Kelley Way appeared first on Writer's Fun Zone.

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Published on January 21, 2025 03:00

January 20, 2025

How to Market Through Email Newsletters

Recently I was on a panel to discuss How to Market Through Email Newsletters. It was broadcast on YouTube and sponsored by TBRcon and the site, FanFicAddict.com.

Join us — moderator/publisher Caroline Lambe and panelists Wolfe Locke, Konstance, Jessie Kwak and Beth Barany for a TBRCon2025 panel on “How to Market Through Email Newsletters”.

More about the moderator and panelists authors on the How to Market through email newsletters

Caroline Lambe, moderator/publisher: https://angryrobotbooks.com/
Wolfe Locke, panelist: https://geni.us/BuyMyBooks
Konstance, panelist: https://konstancek.substack.com/
Jessie Kwak, panelist: https://www.jessiekwak.com/
Beth Barany, panelist: https://author.bethbarany.com/

Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers

Image of scientific AI head for Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers

Quote from Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers

Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 136

“Once or twice a year, I like to do an episode about upcoming events that you can participate in. And this is especially helpful if you’re looking for inspiration about how to think about the future, whether you’re a science fiction writer, you just want to get ideas, or you’re somebody who cares about the future and wants to come at it from a creative perspective.”

In this How To Write the Future episode titled “Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers” podcast host and science fiction and fantasy author and writing teacher, Beth Barany, shares strategic foresight events that are taking place in the futurist community that you can get involved in. Beth also shares information on her World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers which is available to download for free.

RESOURCES

Creativity Coach for Writers: https://bethbarany.com/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING – START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

Amy Webb’s 2025 SXSW talk – Link to 2024 talk – https://youtu.be/5uLSDbh6M_U?si=k2KDD54_Jr1uYOCI

Teach for the Future [2025] https://www.teachthefuture.org/all-events – March 1

IFTF – 2025 event [pick 1] https://www.iftf.org/

APF – Association of professional Futurists: https://www.apf.org/

SOIF – Finally, registrations are now open for our Summer retreat in strategic foresight (28 July-1 August 2025). Register before 1 February to save £750. Please contact dawson@soif.org.uk to find out more. #SOIF2025 soif.org.uk/retreat

About the How To Write the Future podcast

This podcast is for you if you have questions like:

– How do I create a believable world for my science fiction story?

– How do I figure out what’s not working if my story feels flat?

– How do I make my story more interesting and alive?

This podcast is for readers too if you’re at all curious about the future of humanity.

Transcript for Exploring Futuristic Events in 2025: A Guide for Science Fiction Writers

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone, Beth Barany here with How To Write The Future podcast. I am a science fiction and fantasy writer and writing teacher, and here to bring you some fabulous events for 2025.

What is happening in the strategic foresight and futurist community that you can join in?

[00:21] Get Inspired by these upcoming events

BETH BARANY: Once or twice a year, I like to do an episode about upcoming events that you can participate in. And this is especially helpful if you’re looking for inspiration about how to think about the future, whether you’re a science fiction writer, you just want to get ideas, or you’re somebody who cares about the future and wants to come at it from a creative perspective.

In this episode, I’m going to share a few events that are coming in 2025.

So I hope that these will inspire you and I hope that you will take part in them. Some are free, some are not.

[00:52] Amy Webb’s Annual Tech Trends Talk March 2025 at SXSW

BETH BARANY: So first up, I want to call your attention to Amy Webb’s annual South by Southwest talk happening in March, and she always talks about tech trends and also does sometimes some reflection about the year previous.

And this will be broadcast on YouTube for free. It’s fabulous. I love her work. I find it so fascinating. She always gives insights into emerging technologies and society changes, and this can really help you if you are writing near future scenarios or even if you’re writing far future scenarios, I think it will give you some ideas.

[01:29] Teach for the Future March 1, 2025

BETH BARANY: Also happening in March, 2025, in fact, March 1st, is another organization that I really love because their focus is on young people and this is called Teach For The Future. And it is a fabulous international Zoom event that you can participate in for free. I participated in it in 2024 and it was wonderful. And young people who are active in the futurist and foresight community, educators. And people are brought into little rooms online on zoom and meet each other and talk and share. It’s just fabulous.

So it’s a great way to be talking to the next generation also and be so inspired. I’m so inspired by the young people who are involved in Teach For The Future. And I’m very inspired by their mission.

[02:16] Institute for the Future

BETH BARANY: All right, next, I want to talk about two organizations that have ongoing events and materials that you can find online.

The first one is the Institute For The Future. And they are based here in the San Francisco Bay Area and have been around for quite some time. I actually read recently I think they’ve been around for 56 years, 57 years. Fabulous. And you can take a class from them for free on Coursera. They’re always offering events online. And if you’re local to the San Francisco Bay Area, you can check out their in-person events. And really fabulous for understanding the basics of strategic foresight. And I really recommend them. I have a friend who trained with them and really loves them. And I’ve dabbled in their Coursera class and found it really interesting.

[02:59] Association for Professional Futurists

BETH BARANY: Another resource for you that offers membership, if you’re a professional futurist. but also for the broader community, they offer materials and trainings is the Association of Professional Futurists.

They do some interaction with the broader universe, the broader community, and they have a magazine called Compass that I wrote for a few times. And they’re professionals who are taking their expertise and bring it into the real world. And it’s so fascinating to see how they work. So check that out you’re interested at all in the professional side of being a futurist.

[03:34] School for International Futures

BETH BARANY: And then last but not least today, I want to talk about this really interesting organization out of the UK called the School of International Futures.

And I went to their summer retreat a few years ago, and I really got a wonderful training in strategic foresight. And this coming year, their training is going to be July 28th to August 1st. And it’s an England and it’s just a fabulous five-day intensive program. It does cost, and it is for people who are working in some way in the futurist community.

And I got to meet all kinds of amazing people out there in the world. So if that is a kind of training that you’re searching for, I highly recommend it.

[04:12] Your feedback welcome!

BETH BARANY: What events would you add to this list? I’m sure I forgot some. I’m keeping it short today, but if you have some futuristevents that you want to point out to me, please let me know. I would love that. Write me. Comment where you can comment and just let me know.

And there’s also a way to leave me a voicemail. If you go to how to write the future.com, you can leave me a short voicemail, I think up to 60 seconds. Just say hello. Tell me your favorite foresight, futurist event. Let me know what you would like me to cover in another episode for 2025. I am working on my calendar for the rest of the year.

[04:49] Check out the World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers

BETH BARANY: I want to invite you to check out my world-building workbook for fiction writers. I am a fiction writing teacher. If you need help with your world-building and you want to process to bring yourself through so you can make decisions about your stories world, then I invite you to sign up for my World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers.

All right. That’s it for this time, everyone. Write long and prosper.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:

Need instructions on how to leave a review? Go here.

***ABOUT BETH BARANY

Learn more about Beth Barany at these sites:

Author site / Coaching site / School of Fiction / Writer’s Fun Zone blog

CONNECT

Contact Beth: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/podcast/#tve-jump-185b4422580

Email: beth@bethbarany.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbarany/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bethbarany/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/bethbarany

X: https://twitter.com/BethBarany

CREDITS [H2]EDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://www.descript.com?lmref=_w1WCA (Refer-a-Friend link)MUSIC CREDITS : Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/fuzz-buzz License code: UMMKDRL02DFGKJ0L. “Fuzz buzz” by Soundroll. Commercial license: https://musicvine.com/track/soundroll/fuzz-buzz.DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465 (Refer-a-Friend link)SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

C 2024 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

For more “How To Write the Future” episodes, go here.

If you’d like to invite Beth onto your podcast, drop her a note here.

Like the work we do? Tip us! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany

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Published on January 20, 2025 04:41

January 17, 2025

Backstories for Suspense by Laurel Osterkamp

Let’s welcome back Laurel Osterkamp as she shares with us “Backstories for Suspense.” Enjoy!

***

Whenever I begin a new work-in-progress, my first step is to figure out my characters’ backstories. Because if I can figure out how to weave the backstories into the narrative, it will add depth, complexity, and most importantly, suspense.

So, how to effectively incorporate our characters’ back story without losing the flow and pacing? Here are some techniques I learned after reading five excellent psychological suspense novels this year.

1. Use Flashbacks: Bye, Baby by Carol Levering

Flashbacks are a powerful tool for revealing a character’s past in a way that adds suspense.

They allow the readers to experience the events of the past alongside the character, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional connection.

However, it is essential to use flashbacks strategically and sparingly. Too many flashbacks can disrupt the flow and confuse readers.

In the novel Bye, Baby by Carola Levering, we discover what leads Billie to kidnap her best friend Cassie’s baby.

The story begins with the moment of the kidnapping.

Then, it alternates between Billie and Cassie’s POV, but every third chapter is a Billie flashback, starting with her childhood, going all the way to near present-day.

Through these consistent flashbacks, we learn all about Billie’s traumatic past, and the hurt and betrayal that Cassie caused.

By the time we reach the kidnapping, it all makes sense. I was very invested!

2. Drop Hints and Clues: The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Another effective way to incorporate backstory is by dropping hints and clues.

These hints can be in the form of memories, recurring dreams, or even objects that hold significance to the character’s past.

By doing so, you create a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving the readers eager to know more.

The Heiress, by Rachel Hawkins, has multiple POVs. While Hawkins uses flashbacks, she also drops a lot of hints and clues, especially when it comes to Jules, an outsider who isn’t being completely honest with her husband.

We know she’s hiding something, but what?

The hints and clues kept me guessing right up until the end.

3. Use Dialogue and Inner Thoughts: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Dialogue and inner thoughts are great ways to reveal a character’s back story without disrupting the flow.

They give us a glimpse into the character’s mind and emotions, which can be more powerful than just narrating their past.

The key here is to make the dialogue and inner thoughts natural and not forced.

In Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, Lucy, the protagonist, is haunted by the death of her best friend, Savvy.

Everyone believes Lucy is the murderer, and when she has intrusive, murderous thoughts, Lucy begins to doubt herself.

These inner-thoughts all lead to a stunning revelation that I never saw coming.

4. Create Tension and Conflict: The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

Backstory can also be used to create tension and conflict.

By revealing past events and traumas, you can add layers to the characters and their relationships, making the stakes higher and the story more suspenseful.

It is crucial to remember that the backstory should serve a purpose and not just be included for the sake of it.

Freida McFadden begins her novel, The Boyfriend, with a terrible blind date.

The main character, Sydney, has trouble meeting decent guys. But when she finds what seems to be the perfect guy, her problems are far from solved.

Instead, conflict remains, and after her good friend is murdered, Sydney recalls past tensions and lies from all the people in her life.

This added tension and conflict took an already suspenseful novel and amplified it.

5. Use Misdirection: Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey

Misdirection is a clever technique to incorporate backstory in a way that keeps the readers on their toes.

By leading the readers to believe one thing about a character’s past and then revealing the truth later on, you create a sense of surprise and intrigue.

Jess Lourey’s Unspeakable Thingsis told from young Cassie’s point of view.

Cassie lives in a small Minnesota town in the early 1980s, and because of her youth, inexperience, and skewed perceptions, she’s not a reliable narrator.

Though she’s both honest and strong, it takes Cassie most of the novel to make sense of her experiences and the shortcomings of her friends and family.

Through misdirection, Lourey keeps the reader in pace with Cassie, so our revelations occur at the same time as Cassie’s do.

A character’s backstory is a powerful tool that can be used to add suspense, tension, and complexity to a story.

So, go forth and use these techniques to create well-rounded and intriguing characters that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.

***

About the Author

Laurel Osterkamp is from Minneapolis, where she teaches and writes like it’s going out of style. Her short fiction has been featured in Abandon Journal, Idle Ink, Tangled Locks Literary Journal, Bright Flash Literary Journal, and The Metawoker, among other places. Her new novel, The Side Project, was released on November 13th by The Wild Rose Press.

Social Media:

Website – https://laurellit.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurelosterkamp
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laurel-osterkamp
Instagram: Laurel Osterkamp (@laurel_osterkamp) • Instagram photos and videos

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Published on January 17, 2025 03:00

January 14, 2025

Staying Freelance: Part 2 by Andrea Reider

Let’s welcome back Andrea Reider as she shares with us “Staying Freelance.” Enjoy!

***

I wrote “Staying Freelance” to inspire and advise fellow freelancers on how to build and maintain their careers for the long-term.

My goal is to show people how to “stay” freelance not just “go” freelance, and how to maximize their freelance income and achieve long-term financial stability.

The following excerpt from “Staying Freelance” is about how I got my start as a book publishing freelancer:

A temporary employment agency placed me in my first job in San Francisco, working in the downtown headquarters of a large manufacturing company.

I was hired as part of a test to see whether they should invest in new Macintosh desktop publishing equipment or go with the IBM PC equivalent.

My job was to use the Macintosh computer to lay out a large manual using the popular layout program Aldus PageMaker.

Another woman was hired to work on an IBM computer using the page layout program Ventura Graphics.

At this time, the Macintosh computer and the Aldus PageMaker were much better suited to desktop publishing applications and eventually came to dominate in the graphic design industry.

The advantage of working on the better desktop publishing system and my experience from working at the typesetting shop in Ann Arbor enabled me to finish my project in about a week.

My IBM PC competitor on Ventura Graphics was still working on her project six weeks later.

I found out later that the other woman had been the favorite of most of the secretaries at the company, and that they had all been rooting for her to beat me.

My winning the competition meant that I was hired to help the company to develop their in-house desktop publishing department using Macintosh computers.

I started out making $14 per hour as a temporary worker, which was a decent wage in 1987.

After making myself very useful and with some bargaining, the company bought out my contract with the temporary agency, and agreed to pay me $20 per hour, which they ultimately raised to $25 per hour.

Although consultants in other fields were then charging as much as $50 to $100 per hour and more for their services, I was now making enough steady money to enable me to move out of my parents’ house and into my first San Francisco apartment.

I found a cute and tiny studio apartment in the Nob Hill district, two blocks from the Fairmont Hotel.

It was within walking distance to my favorite hangout, the Caffe Trieste in North Beach. This was a big plus to me at the time, as the Caffe had become the center of my social life outside of my work and family.

There was always something to do when I was working at our family men’s clothing store in Detroit, even if it meant vacuuming the carpet, making coffee, or just straightening up the merchandise on display.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Reider has been working as a book designer and layout artist/typesetter for publishers and self-publishing authors since graduating from the University of Michigan in English in 1985 with a B.A. in English. It was the year of the Macintosh computer and “desktop publishing,” and her first job was managing a typesetting shop in Ann Arbor.

When Andrea moved to San Francisco two years later her Macintosh skills were very much in demand. Andrea began working as a freelancer for several book publishers and has been at it ever since. Her clients have included John Wiley & Sons, Addison Wesley Longman, McGraw Hill, Rowman & Littlefield, and hundreds of self-publishing authors.

Website: http://www.reiderbooks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreareiderdesign/

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Published on January 14, 2025 03:00

January 13, 2025

Creative Writing Resources: Power Up Your Fiction in 2025

Creative Writing Resources: Power Up Your Fiction in 2025 – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 135

“All I have to say, I know it can take a long time. And I really respect that it takes time to be ready to take the next step.“

In the first episode of 2025, How To Write the Future podcast host, Beth Barany shares creative writing resources to help writers kick start their 2025 by focusing on their craft. From free downloadable workbooks, virtual courses, and supportive groups to even being personally invited to connect and ask your questions to Beth herself, this episode is all about how you can take control of your writing journey for the year ahead.

RESOURCES

Work the roadmap! Sign up and receive a copy of Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap workbook: https://bethbarany.com/trust-your-creative-heart-roadmap-workbook/

Creativity Coach for Writers: https://bethbarany.com/

Mastering Deep Point of View by Alice Gaines –

https://writersfunzone.com/blog/mastering-deep-point-of-view-by-alice-gaines/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING – START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

About the How To Write the Future podcast

This podcast is for you if you have questions like:

– How do I create a believable world for my science fiction story?

– How do I figure out what’s not working if my story feels flat?

– How do I make my story more interesting and alive?

This podcast is for readers too if you’re at all curious about the future of humanity.

Transcript for: Creative Writing Resources: Power Up Your Fiction in 2025 [00:00] Introduction

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone, Beth. Barany here of How To Write The Future podcast. In this podcast, I teach you tips and tools on how you can write your science fiction and fantasy novels. And specifically, I care very much about using story to create positive, impactful words that we then impact our readers with.So today I’m going to talk about how you can start your 2025 strong with writing resources. And of course, if you’re listening to this after 2025– time travel!– also these resources are evergreen and most likely will still be around because they have been around for a long time.

I’ve been in business for 18 plus years and helping writers for actually a lot longer than that. So I’m very excited to bring to you today a few of my resources that I think that you will like.

All right. So calling up my notes here.

[00:57] Deep Point of View by Alice Gaines

BETH BARANY: Now there’s a lot of wonderful resources I could share with you. So I share- I am coming up.. So I have chosen some of them to share with you today.

So the first up is, and in no particular order, becauseI love all of these things– If you are a writer working in your first draft, you might be wondering about point of view and you might be wondering: how do I deepen my point of view?

Let me tell ya. I have a book on that topic.

Written by Alice Gaines. Now Alice is a wonderful writing teacher and a working writer. And we teamed up and she taught a fabulous workshop to my community. And then we turned that into a slim, practical book that will help you take the steps you need so that you can create deep point of view. It’s called Mastering Deep Point of View, Simple Steps to Make Your Stories Irresistible to Your Readers. Alice Gaines is a USA Today bestselling author. It’s a short book at 61 pages, great pocket size. And of course it’s also available in print and digital. I really recommend it if you are looking for some very specific craft techniques on how to deepen point of view.

[02:13] Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap

BETH BARANY: Next up, I want to highlight a free resource. If you are wondering how to do this whole novel writing thing, and you just want to snapshot little mini workbook, I highly recommend my Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap. I put everything that I know into this high-level overview that comes with a little workbook and even with little free modules that you can listen to and get to know the process of how do you go from idea to finished product.

[02:44] Plan Your Novel, Like A Pro: And Have Fun Doing It

BETH BARANY: And if you want something more after this free workbook,

I highly recommend.that you check out my Plan Your Novel Like A Pro: And Have Fun Doing It book. This book is available in print and in digital, where all books are sold. I co-wrote it with my husband, Ezra Barany, who is a thriller writer, because we have two very different approaches to story development. This book not only will help you go from seedling to finished outline or plan, but it will walk you through every step of the way. There’s over 30 chapters and it also comes with a nice digital workbook and highly recommend that.

[03:22] Start or Finish Your Novel One-on-One Mentorship Program

BETH BARANY: So if this is the year that you are deciding: “I’m going to write my novel, I’m going to edit my novel, I’m going to publish my novel”– maybe you aren’t going to do all of those things in this year, but maybe you want to do one of them. And if you are struggling with starting your first draftor actually finishing your first draft, I have a highly customized, personalized one-on-one program that I have put together to help writers just like you. It’s called Start or Finish Your Novel One-on-One Mentorship Program.

And it’s really designed for us to bein coaching sessions together. It’s five coaching sessions for $2,000. Yes, it is not cheap. I work with people who want and crave that one-on-one highly customized experience because you want to get your book done. And, often the difference between not working on it and working on it is having an experienced guide, like myself, helping you with it.

So go and check that out, if that is right for you.

[04:21] Our 12-month small Group Mastermind Program for Science Fiction and Fantasy

BETH BARANY: Okay. Now, if you’re further along and you’ve written your first draft of your science fiction or fantasy novel, or some wonderful speculative fiction blend,then come and check out our group mentorship program. This is a 12-month small Group Mastermind Program with myself and my husband who are both professional novelists, that will help you take your first draft and then get it ready for publication. We understand all the hard work that you put into creating your first draft and congratulations. That’s amazing.

I know what that’s like. I’ve written like 20 manuscripts. I know what that’s like. We’ll help you transform your draftinto a publish-ready masterpiece. If you’re ready for this level of commitment and learning and fun in our small group that takes place over 12 months, come and check that out. Enrollment is open all the time. And it does require 12 months of a commitment minimum. You may not get your book completely everywhere where you want it to go in 12 months and that’s okay. This is a wonderful incubator environment where you can come get all your questions answered, get feedback on your work, if you want to work at the intermediate or advanced level and be in a small group where you get to give support, receive support, and learn how to give feedback and learn the craft of fiction and learn how to turn your manuscript into something that you are proud to publish. So excited about that.

[05:52] Passionate about Book Coaching

BETH BARANY: I’m really here as a working novelist as a writing teacher and as a coach creativity coach who focuses on books. So you can also call me a book coach.

And I want to say that this is my passion. This is my life. And I create all of these products and services because I’m passionate about this process and because also I’m the kind of person who needs to have her own process. And because I have the experience and interest of being a teacher, I can turn all of that into something that is usable and doable for you.

Now, of course, I have a lot more resources.

[06:29] World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers

BETH BARANY: So if you just want to get started with us, you could start with the World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers, which a lot of podcasts listeners have started with, so that you can work through and think through all of the world building for your storyworld.

[06:43] Where do you start? I don’t even know.

BETH BARANY: And one last thing, if you don’t even know where to begin, I totally get it.

Oh my God. I spent from age 18 to about 28, 29, I really,did not know how to be a novelist. I really want it to be a novelist, but I didn’t know how to be a novelist. And so all I knew how to do was write and keep a journal. And I started with journalism and that was a really good place to begin. And I read a lot and learned a lot and read a ton of books about writing.

All I have to say, I know it can take a long time. And I really respect that it takes time to be ready to take the next step.

[07:17] Five-day Writers Motivation Mini-course

BETH BARANY: So, if you want to just start and dabble at the smallest level, then I highly recommend that you check out my newsletter. It’s called Creativity Sparks.And when you sign up for Creativity Sparks, you will also get a five-day Writers Motivation Mini-course, which will allow you to journal for yourself — and you’re invited to share your answers with me– about your creative process, about what you want as a writer. So that’s often a really great place to begin is in a small course. It asks you one question at a time. It’s five days. You can email me your answers. I will get them. And I do respond.

[07:54] Questions? Contact me. Need resources? Let me know which.

BETH BARANY: All right.

That’s it for these resources for you in 2025 and beyond. If there is something that you want as a writer,please let me know.Go ahead and contact me @BethBarany through all the socials, my website, Beth Barany dot com. You’ll see my contact page: beth at Beth Barany dot com. It’s very easy to contact me.And just go ahead and let me know:

What is the resource that you would like?

What are you yearning for? As you look forward into 2025 and beyond, what is it that you wish for? What is it that you yearn for? I’d love to hear. All right. That’s it for this week, everyone.Write long and prosper.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:

Need instructions on how to leave a review? Go here.

***ABOUT BETH BARANY

Learn more about Beth Barany at these sites:

Author site / Coaching site / School of Fiction / Writer’s Fun Zone blog

CONNECT

Contact Beth: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/podcast/#tve-jump-185b4422580

Email: beth@bethbarany.com

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CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://www.descript.com?lmref=_w1WCA (Refer-a-Friend link)MUSIC CREDITS : Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/fuzz-buzz License code: UMMKDRL02DFGKJ0L. “Fuzz buzz” by Soundroll. Commercial license: https://musicvine.com/track/soundroll/fuzz-buzz.DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465 (Refer-a-Friend link)SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

C 2024 BETH BARANY

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Published on January 13, 2025 08:55

January 9, 2025

FLASH SALE! Transform Your Writing with These Amazing Workshops!

sue brown-moore's how to line edit like a pro class

FLASH SALE! Transform Your Writing with These Amazing Workshops! – Hey Creative Writers!

I’m so excited to share something special with you that will help you level up your writing craft!

My friend and fellow writing teacher Sue Brown-Moore has put together THREE amazing workshops, and for a limited time, they’re all 25% off!

As someone who’s passionate about helping writers tell their best stories, I can’t wait to tell you about these transformative workshops:

The Story Snapshot Method Masterclass ($260.25, usually $347) – Perfect for experienced writers who want to deeply connect with their characters’ emotional journeys without getting bogged down in heavy plotting

Liar, Liar, Plot on Fire ($147.75, usually $197) – Ideal for newer writers who want to diagnose and fix common plot problems before they derail your story

Learn to Line Edit Like a Pro ($132.75, usually $177) – For any writer ready to polish their prose and develop their unique author voice

Be sure to use the coupon code at checkout to get your discount: 25BETH2025

That way you get your discount and I get credited.

What I love about Sue’s teaching style is how she breaks down complex concepts into manageable, practical steps.

Whether you’re crafting your first novel or your fifteenth, these workshops will give you concrete tools to enhance your storytelling.

But don’t wait too long to decide – this special offer ends January 25, 2025, at midnight Mountain time!

Have questions about the workshops?

Feel free to email Sue’s team at hi@suebrownmoore.com

Happy writing!

Beth

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Published on January 09, 2025 16:07

January 7, 2025

Create With Purpose Part 4: Authenticity & Acceptance by Kirsten McNeill

Let’s welcome back Kirsten McNeill as she shares with us “Create With Purpose Part 4: Authenticity & Acceptance” Enjoy!

***

Hello Writer’s Fun Zone! It’s been a while since my last guest post, but I’m back with the long anticipated Part 4 of the Create With Purpose Blog Series: Authenticity and Acceptance.

Through this post, I will share my insight on being yourself, finding writing success, and accepting failure as a lesson learned.

Authenticity & Acceptance

These are great buzz words, right? But what do they really mean? They’re words that we hear all the time and we don’t really stop to think about the definition.

Authenticity means to be yourself. Okay, what does THAT mean?

Whatever you want it to mean.

That meaning could change based on the day, your mood, or as you mature into different stages of your life.

It means to explore who you are, what you love, and what your goals are, and keep searching for the answers to embrace the best version of YOU.

When you are open to that exploration and you stand up for what you believe in as wholeheartedly as you can, THAT is authenticity.

You’re becoming the person you were meant to be, not the person everyone expects you to be. Often, those can be two very different people.

Acceptance means to embrace that who you are may not be appealing to every single person, but you’re not going to change for anyone. You’re confident in who you are and you’re learning to love that.

Being Yourself & Finding Success

When you are your true self, you are making decisions that are best for YOU without worrying about the judgement that may come from others.

Who you are and your version of success will differ from your friends and family.

Success just means you’ve achieved your goals, but it may not always look like you expected it to.

Allow me to share a story about when my pride was blocking my path to success.

I’ve never enjoyed having to support Amazon as a self-published writer.

I’d rather support local businesses and mom and pop shops compared to big corporations. That’s why I published my books on Lulu Publishing for so long.

That was a choice I made for myself and my writing.

But then, the Canada Post strike happened and Lulu had to raise their shipping prices by nearly eight dollars!

It was already pushing the line of expensive, but this was ridiculous.

I had to swallow my pride and move my books over to Amazon because there are no other comparable self-publishing platforms that offer little to no shipping costs for the buyers.

Would people laugh at me after I spent so long resisting Amazon?

So long trying to justify why I’m choosing Lulu over a platform that SO many authors have been successful using?

Maybe… but I couldn’t let that stop me from my growth.

There’s going to be pros and cons to every situation in life. It’s up to you to weigh your options and decide what is best for YOU.

If I had continued resisting Amazon, I may not have made the sales that I currently have.

I had to make that choice for myself. Even if it wasn’t the most ideal, it was helpful for my success.

The next time you’re faced with a difficult decision, put aside your need for external validation.

Cast away those thoughts of what other people may think of you. Those thoughts are just unhelpful assumptions. Once you’ve cleared your mind, do this:

Write down your top goal within the difficult situation you’re facing.Write down EVERY possible choice you can think of to achieve that goal.Highlight the choices that align the best with your values.Highlight the choices that are most helpful to achieve your goal (this may differ from some that align best with your values).Look at the most helpful choices and weigh the pros and cons.

Do the cons outweigh the pros so much that you will avoid that choice like the plague?

If yes, cross it out.

If not, it may be worth exploring this option.

Achieve it in a way that feels good to you. I’m not telling you to tear down someone else’s success to make way for yours.

I’m simply hoping I can help you find a solution to your struggles that feels good, even if it wasn’t what you originally wanted to do.

Accepting Failure as a Lesson

Failure has several negative connotations because we see it as a loss.

We didn’t achieve our goals in the exact way that we planned, so that must mean we are awful writers and should give up completely.

One of my goals is to change that negative connotation.

To paraphrase Thomas Edison, he didn’t fail countless times.

He learned countless ways to NOT make a lightbulb. That is still valuable information.

Have you ever succeeded in something and said, “Whoa, how did I do that??”

Then, tried to recreate the result, but you never end up doing it again.

That’s because you couldn’t or didn’t track the steps that led to the success.

Same goes for failure.

If we don’t keep track of what’s working and not working for us, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.

If we view failure as a necessary step that leads to success, we can potentially make life easier for ourselves.

Your first book launch didn’t lead to sales? Find out why and do something different for the next launch.

You spent too much money on an editor who was sub-par? Do research on finding the best fit next time.

There’s a typo in your published book? Shrug, and upload the updated manuscript.

Or leave it and accept that nothing is perfect because perfect isn’t real!

There is always something to learn from every situation. It’s a refusal to learn and grow that is the only thing holding you back.

Some factors are out of our control, and life does take us down some crazy roads.

But it’s important to adapt to the situation and find out what will be the best path for YOU.

What will bring you the most joy?

The most success?

Unveil the best version of you?

Embrace the journey, enjoy the writing, and never forget that you are worthy.

***

ABOUT KIRSTEN MCNEILL

Kirsten McNeill is a Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach, Podcaster, and Self-Published Writer. Her mission with Worthy Writers Coaching is to align you with your creative identity through practical writing schedules and exploring your identity. Connect to your sunflower confidence to publish and share your stories with an empowered mindset.