Beth Barany's Blog, page 12

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

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 06, 2025 06:27

Journals vs. Photographs by Catharine Bramkamp

Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Catharine Bramkamp as she shares with us “Journals vs. Photographs.” Enjoy!

***

I have always kept a travel journal. I have spent hours first researching then just creating the perfect travel journal from notebooks to iPads. Travel journals and travel souvenirs are some of the very few things I save.

The hard copy journals have stayed consistent: pen, pages.

Over the years the electronic solutions were more challenging: dicey internet in Syria, outrageously expensive internet in Las Vegas, the hard copy was always there as a reasonable alternative.

Only recently has electronic option become stable enough that I can travel with just an iPad.

But why keep a travel journal?

Why all that work writing down words when a photo will do the job?

Good question.

During a lunch sponsored by Overseas Adventure Travels. I asked around the table – how do you record your travel memories?

To one, the ladies answered: photographs.

I agree. Photographs are fabulous, easy and do the job.

Except when they don’t.

We spend time and money on our travels. Even though we could just scroll through photos of the same places on Instagram.

Wouldn’t that do the job?

It doesn’t do the job. We want to feel a place.

Taste the food, drink the wine, soak in the atmosphere and feel the warmth of a foreign sun.

None of which can be photographed. Maybe the food.

During the annual August Fringe Festival, all of Edinburgh seems to be accompanied by a bagpipe sound track.

Every street features a young musician, determinedly standing in the summer rain playing a selection of bagpipe greatest hits.

Each time we exited our hotel to the streets – there was the music, as if created just to enhance our experience.

We took a photo of a musician, but the photo couldn’t capture the chill of the rain, nor the sheer delight of music floating over the traffic noise, a reminder we were in a completely different place.

Writing can alleviate the inevitable stress that attends travel.

There was no possible way to photograph how cranky I was our first morning in Kyoto.

Time in Kyoto

Our hotel was located in a busy part of town, tall buildings, crowded streets, nondescript hotel.

I huddled in a neighboring cafe (no coffee in the room – very cranky) well away from my husband and mother, morosely drinking bad coffee and bitching into my handwritten journal.

Feeling marginally better, mostly because of the coffee, I joined the rest of the tour group resigned to a crappy, ugly day.

I was completely wrong. Kyoto has beautiful, stunning gardens and temples, you just have to drive from the inexpensive hotel to reach them.

The photographs were lovely. Both my delight and relief were undetectable in the photos. But alive in the cranky journal entry.

This is why I write.

And you can too.

The Magic of Journaling

You can express the magic of encountering street musicians in a Seville courtyard.

The nonsense of a hundred tourists in jeeps photographing a patient tiger.

Zooming in to create the illusion that they just “discovered” this Indian tiger while strolling in the wild.

Writing will fix an event and a memory more firmly than a photo can. I use my photos for triggers.

What was the back story?Were there crowds?A talkative salesperson at an empty storefront?

Describe what cannot be seen, only felt.

The Many Kinds Of Journals

There are many ways to approach a journal.

I have created journals with taped-in pockets to hold ephemera.

I’ve used notebooks that fit in my travel purse, and armed with tape, tear and tape the napkins, coasters and brochures gathered for that day, then make notes about them.

You can take a tiny Moleskine notebook and just record a word here or there: soggy chips, marvelous martini, soaked in the bright sunshine at the cafe.

To get you started, try this idea: Brand Promise versus Lived Experience

Have you ever held up a brochure against the booked resort and wondered if you were in the same place?

I have now visited Norway twice and have yet to see that blue sky, turquoise water Fjord featured on every Instagram post and on every travel brochure I’ve ever encountered.

I’m not fooled, but it is entertaining to know how little a brochure description resembles the place described. It’s become a travel trope. And journaling has a place in this dichotomy.

What I like to do is copy out the travel itinerary with the correct spelling of cities and places and include the hopeful language. Then I just make notes about my own experience.

From the tour company’s description of our Indian safari: … we regroup for a second safari expedition.

Though it is rare, we may see the Royal Bengal tiger, usually sleeping by day in the tall grass.

The Royal Bengal Tiger

A recent census showed 26 tigers in the reserve. We also see lakes that hold crocodiles and a wide variety of water birds in season.

Here is what we did see: a Royal Bengal tiger. Her name is Arrowhead.

She posed just long enough for photos, then casually wandered just far enough to give our drivers an excuse to “follow her,” whooping and hollering and bouncing the tourist-filled jeeps over potholes the size of VWs.

Not exactly a hushed moment in nature. But it is probably better to view even an indifferent tiger from the relative safety of a crowded jeep than to face the same tiger – no matter how calm – unprotected in the wild.

(Many of the tourists were decidedly more snack sized than me.)

Pleased with the encounter, we photographed Arrowhead and happily posted her photo on Instagram, Facebook and eventually, the holiday newsletter.

Then, unlike any Facebook post you’ll ever see, my husband turned the camera around. A dozen jeeps circled Arrowhead, all crowded with at least 25 tourists each, breathless, yet still able to excitedly chatter.

Someone stepped on my hat. Not the private moment the first photo would have you believe.

From the Angkor Watt brochure:

Who knows what you might feel as you stand in the courtyard of this temple whose towers represent Mount Meru, the center of all physical and spiritual universe and the home to many gods in Hindu and Buddhist mythologies.

You will feel crowded.

Framing Photos

You’ve seen the posts. Here I am at sunrise in Angkor Watt, it’s just magical. Turn around – 1,000 tourists jockeying for the perfect Zen sunrise photo selfie sticks raised like a medieval invasion.

Enthralled with the ideal, we carefully frame our photos to match our expectations, to match what we know we should see and should experience.

That’s why the journal is indispensable. I wrote about taking that idealized photo of our brochure. I described the poorly trained local guide, the dozens of jeeps chasing an indifferent cat. I described the cold, the rain and snow that makes up the Arctic summer experience. And because I wrote it down, we know the truth behind that beautiful overhead ship photo. It’s fake.

The Path to Truth

I am a firm believer that writing is a critical step in truth. Yes, you are writing through your own lens, which makes everything you see personal and frankly, interesting. Yes, wherever we go, there we are. Photos can mislead, writing and journaling can bring us closer to the truth.

It’s Out!
Out Loud – An Adventure in Writing for Women http://www.Catharine-Bramkamp.com

***

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***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catharine Bramkamp is a successful writing coach, Chief Storytelling Officer, former co-producer of Newbie Writers Podcast, and author of a dozen books including the Real Estate Diva Mysteries series, and The Future Girls series. She holds two degrees in English and is an adjunct university professor. After fracturing her wrist, she has figured out there is very little she is able to do with one hand tied behind her back. She delights in inspiring her readers.

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Published on January 03, 2025 03:00

You did it! You’ve a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of (Step 8)

Quote from You did it! You've a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of (Step 8)

You did it! You’ve a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of (Step 8) – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 133

“I want you to really deepen into what this experience could be like. What would it be like to hold the book in your hands?”

This episode is last part of a 9-part mini-series based on the “Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap” where Beth Barany discusses her method to help writers go from idea to published science fiction and fantasy novel.

In this final episode of this 9-part mini-series, “You did it! You’ve a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of! (Step 8),” How To Write The Future podcast host Beth Barany encourages writers to celebrate completing their novels, guides listeners through connecting with the sensory details of the publishing process, and offers valuable resources, including free downloadable workbooks and opportunities for personal coaching.

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/

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/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING – START HERE

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

Get support for your fiction writing from 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.

Transcript for You did it! You’ve a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of (Step 8) [00:00] Celebrating Your Achievement

BETH BARANY: You did it. Woohoo. You did it. You did. Oh my God. You did it. Oh, my God. You have published a novel. You have published a science fiction and fantasy novel that you feel so proud of. So proud of. So excited that it’s out in the world, you’ve worked so hard and now, everybody else gets to enjoy it. It is your gift to the world. I just want to say congratulations. You did it. That’s awesome.

[00:34] Envisioning Your Success

BETH BARANY: Ah, now. If you haven’t done this yet, if you have not yet published the novel, if you haven’t had that experience, that’s okay.

[00:44] Sensory Details of Your Book

BETH BARANY: This stage, this step in the process in the Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap is here so that you can envision what it’s like, you can feel into it. I invited you to do this in step one. And now here we are in step 8.

I want you to really deepen into what this experience could be like.

What would it be like to hold the book in your hands?

What would it be like to see the look of satisfaction and just complete enthrallment of a reader reading your book?

Or when they pick up your book at a book fair, and they’re like, oh, when they like hugged the book to their chest.

Or when you have bookmarks That you’re really excited to hand out. Or you see your book up on Amazon and you see the numbers lined up so that you’re making sales or you see your book on a bestsellers list. Or you have lots of fans writing you.

So what would let you know that your book is something that you are proud of?

Is it the way the cover is designed?

Is it the way that the book feels in your hand? Is it the way that the pages smell? Is it the way that it sounds when you read your book aloud at a book talk?

These are all the different sensory details I want you to front-load. I want you to think about. And really imagine and feel on: what it would be like to have your finished science fiction and fantasy novel that you are proud of?

And it can even be before it’s published. It could be you’re holding the manuscript in your hand. It could be that you’re looking at mock-ups of your cover. It could be that you share that manuscript with a loved one who holds it in their hand and has a look of realization on their face that, wow, I get it. You’re a writer. This is what you care about. I had that experience. It was so wonderful.

So at this finishing phase, I want you to really take some time to envision this moment for yourself and make notes of that.

In fact, I have a workbook that goes along with this series, this Trust Your Creative heart roadmap series to help you go from idea to finished science fiction and fantasy novel that you are so proud of.

[03:04] Introducing Beth Barany

BETH BARANY: If I haven’t introduced myself in this episode, I think I forgot.

I’m Beth. Barany. I am a science fiction and fantasy novelist. And filmmaker and podcaster. But not only that. I’m also a writing teacher and coach. I consider myself a creativity coach, meaning I’m super interested in the creative process.

And if you want to take what I’ve been sharing in this series, and you want to activate it, you want to put it into practice, the best way to do that is to take notes. And if you would like some help in that, I have a workbook. So be sure to check out the link in the description that shows how you can get your free PDF workbook with lots of blank space. So you can write your answer to the questions I’ve been asking and to the two main questions.

The two. Key questions that I ask at every stage, which I’m going to ask you in a minute for the stage, but I just want to draw your attention to the fact that I help writers.

[04:03] Programs and Resources for Science Fiction and Fantasy Novelists

BETH BARANY: And if you would like to work with me, there are multiple ways to do that. I have two programs at this recording. I have two programs and check back, get on my list, see if my other programs. I have two programs.

One is Start and Finish Your Novel one-on-one mentorship. And that is for people who are at the early stages of writing their novel and want help starting their novel, developing a writing practice perhaps, and finishing that first draft.

And then I also work with people one-on-one and in a small group to edit their novel, get it ready for publishing, and publish.

And that is our group mastermind program for folks who have finished first draft. And they’re ready. They’re ready to edit and revise and market and think about all the things. And we do it in a small group and I also work one-on-one with people at that level.

Now if you are starting out and you’re in the story development phase, which I talked about, earlier in Step Three. We talked about story development.

So you can go back and listen to that if you want. I also have a book that you can go and purchase online, at many online libraries, you can also borrow it. And it’s called Plan Your Novel Like A Pro. And it’s there for you to read. It has a digital workbook and it will help you think through from idea and bring you all the way to finished plan, so that you can write your book with confidence.

And I have some other freebies that you can check out and I list them in the workbook.

So be sure to get the workbook for this series so you can see what my other resources are.

[05:38] Reflecting on the Finishing Phase

BETH BARANY: And lastly, but not leastly, I want to bring your attention back to this finishing phase. And I want you to think about: there you are. You are so proud of your book. And it’s something you’re just ready to share with the world. Wonderful. Congratulations.

I want you to know for yourself: what is working in this phase, at this step, at this stage?

This is the eighth stage of the Trust Your creative heart Roadmap.

What is really working for you?

Maybe you are so excited and you want to do it again, and it just confirms that you’re a storyteller and this is what you love to do.

Maybe also what’s working is that all the nitty gritty of editing a novel and getting ready to publish and all of that is fascinating. And you love it. And again, you want to do that again.

What would you like more of?

That’s the second question. What would you like more of?

Maybe you would like more support?

Maybe you would like more time.

Maybe you would like more feedback from readers earlier in the process.

So maybe what you would like could be from something earlier along the road and that’s fine too. All information is useful.

All right.

So those are the two questions: What’s working? And what would you like more of?

[06:57] Final Thoughts and Series Conclusion

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone. This is the last episode in this Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap series. If you missed any of the episodes or you want to listen to the, to them again, they’re all there for you. If you’re on YouTube, there will be a link for the playlist.

If you come to my website, I’ll also have a playlist link where you can access all of them. If you are on my list and you got the workbook for this series, we will be reminding you also of all the episodes. And everything will be in, in one place. If you have any questions at all, please let me know. I always love talking to writers. I help writers. That’s my day job. And I really, really love it. So that’s it for this week and that’s it for this series. Stay tuned till next week, when I will talk about something else that will help writers, I’m sure. All right, everyone. Happy writing. And write long and prosper.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061

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

***

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

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

Email: beth@bethbarany.com

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

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

The post You did it! You’ve a finished science fiction or fantasy novel you’re proud of (Step 8) appeared first on Writer's Fun Zone.

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Published on December 30, 2024 03:00

Dance with Your Victories: Setting Goals That Build on Success by LA Bourgeois

Let’s welcome back LA Bourgeois as she shares with us “Dance with Your Victories: Setting Goals That Build on Success.” Enjoy!

***

During this last part of the year, amid the gift giving and swarm of things we want to finish by the arbitrary deadline of December 31, we begin planning the coming year. Setting new goals. Discovering new projects. Mapping out when all these things will happen.

But have you celebrated your successes during 2024?

We spend a lot of time thinking about everything that didn’t get done, the things we wish we did, the goals that didn’t get reached, ways that we failed.

That’s normal.

Humans are built to be on the lookout for the bad and dangerous to keep ourselves safe.

However, have you considered what went right? It’s totally legal to do this. As Tom Rath discusses in his book, “Strengths Finder,” focusing on your strengths can result in making more progress on the things that you love.

Plus, when you give attention to what’s going right, the weaknesses that actually hold back your progress reveal themselves. And they’re not usually the ones we’ve been giving all of our time to.

Heck, yeah! Let’s start the celebration!

Ten Successes

Start by making a list of ten successes from the past year. This can be as small as “Finished a Pen” (which unlocks a new level in your writer identity!) or as large as “self-published my first book.”

And don’t feel like you have to hold yourself to just the writer part of your life. Add anything fabulous, fantastic or just plain okay to this list.

Once you’ve gotten to ten, add a couple more. And when you can’t think of any others, try to add a few more to the list.

(Secret coaching trick: Pushing through the block where you can’t think of anything else and adding just one or two extra items to your list helps your brain unfold and deliver even more. Most times, more good things will show up!)

With your new list of fabulousness that happened last year, celebrate those accomplishments! This is definitely a situation that calls for chocolate, a celebratory tipple and a dance! Shall we boogie? Never Gonna Not Dance Again

After you’ve recovered from your celebration (Fight for Your Right to Party), now’s the time to begin looking forward. So, how can you build on what went right?

Building on What Went Right

Let’s go back to your list of everything fabulous! Go through and circle the items that relate to your writing and associated goals.

Now choose the three that excited you the most. From that selection, grab one and let’s do some journaling.

What made this particular item a triumph?What were the strengths that helped make it work?

List each one and provide your evidence. For example, “I’m tenacious! I always return to the work so I finished my book.”

Repeat with the other two victories.

When you’ve finished creating that list of strengths, admire how fabulous you are for a moment.

Done already? Take a few more moments. Really savor this! Spend a few days adding to the list and writing down more evidence.

As this pile of strengths grows, consider your options.

Ask yourself how you can improve those strengths.

What goals can you set that support that improvement?

Let the ideas tumble through your mind. Get audacious. Allow those grand visions to blossom. And make sure to write them down! We don’t want to lose anything.

While this process unfolds, play. Let your curiosity guide you into investigations of delight and excursions that inspire. Enjoy the holidays. If it feels comfortable, take a little time off from your writing to provide the necessary energy to do this process.

On January 1st (or 2nd, depending on the hangover), peruse that list of goals and begin planning your year of improving your strengths.

And that will be an article for another time!

***

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.

The post Dance with Your Victories: Setting Goals That Build on Success by LA Bourgeois appeared first on Writer's Fun Zone.

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Published on December 27, 2024 03:00

Launch and publish your novel (Step 7)

Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7) – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 132

“There’s a lot of ways to launch a book. And you get to decide what is the way that feels the best for you.”

This episode is part of a mini-series based on the “Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap” where Beth Barany discusses the method she developed to help writers go from idea to published science fiction and fantasy novel.

In “Launch and publish your novel (Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap, Step 7)” How To Write The Future podcast host, Beth Barany explains the different publishing options you have for when you’re ready to launch your book and key considerations to think about, plus she shares 2 questions to help you start your publishing preparations.

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/

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/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING – START HERE

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

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.

Transcript for Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7) (Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap) [00:00] Introduction to the Podcast

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone, Beth Barany here with How To Write The Future podcast. I’m a science fiction and fantasy writer and also a writing teacher, coach, and editor. and I’m here to talk about Step Seven in my Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap.

[00:18] Overview of the Creative Heart Roadmap

BETH BARANY: This roadmap is for writers who want to go from idea to finished novel.

I work specifically with science fiction and fantasy writers. Although what I’m sharing in this roadmap can work with all fiction writers and probably even be extended out to nonfiction writers. Because I have worked with them as well.

[00:39] Launching and Publishing Your Novel, Step 7

BETH BARANY: So in this step, Step Seven, I’m going to talk about launching and publishing your novel.

I’m going to give you a few key points for you to consider and ask you a few questions.

Now, if you would like an overview of this entire roadmap. I have an episode on that. And if you would like a little bit deeper dive into each of these steps, I have episodes on that too. So be sure to check those out.

And also I have a workbook that comes with this roadmap. So you can write notes and reflect on all the questions that I’m asking you. So be sure to, check that out. That link is in the description.

So today I’m going to talk briefly about launching and publishing your novel.

There are two important things here that I want to say, and probably a few more, as I said, and then some questions.

[01:32] Key Considerations for Publishing

BETH BARANY: So when you launch and publish your novel, what I notice is for first time, novelists or people early in the process, they consider getting the book out there as quickly as they can because they want the satisfaction of having published. And that’s awesome. That’s wonderful.

So just keep in mind: what is your goal for launching and publishing your novel? Are you doing it for yourself or are you doing it for readers, to find readers? If you are doing it for readers, awesome. I work with people who want to find their readers.

Then think about all the components of publishing your book that are for the readers, meaning you want to make sure that your cover, your book blurb, and all the material that goes with marketing your book, categories and keywords, subtitle, author bio– that these are all prepared ahead of time. And you’re thinking of your audience as you write these.

[02:29] The word “Launch”

BETH BARANY: I want to talk about the word “launch.” When we say “launch your novel,” what we mean: is have, have a big announcement and tell everyone, Hey, my book is published. Now you can throw a party, you can do a book tour. You can do a blog tour, which is essentially going from blog to blog or social media influencer to-, and have different people talk about your work or you go into their platform and talk about your work, your new book. Or you could run some kind of big, in-person party. Or you can do none of that. You could just tell a few people.

So there’s a lot of ways to launch a book. And you get to decide what is the way that feels the best for you.

This is called Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap for a reason. It’s about doing what is sustainable and enjoyable to you. And when you start from a place of strength, then you can expand outward and try some new things. Try some things that might feel risky or a little bit scary and expand outward into new territory, but start with a way that, of launching your book into the world that feels good for you.

[03:41] Different Publishing Options

BETH BARANY: And I’m going to talk a little bit about publishing, how to publish a novel. Now there’s the nuts and bolts of how to do it, if you’re self publishing.

There’s how to find a publisher and how to find an agent, if that is what you want to pursue.

And then there’s also something in the middle called hybrid publishing, where you pay a publisher who does some of the services for you, but you have a hundred percent control of the work.

And ideally you should also have a hundred percent control of receiving the royalties, depending on the agreement that you have with that hybrid publisher.

So there’s lots of options on which is all the different ways to publish. And you really need to figure out what is best for you.

This is not an episode in me going into all the nitty gritty and the pros and cons, but if you want more information on that, just let me know.

And I could make an episode on that as well.

So that’s what I wanted to say about publishing.

[04:37] 2 Questions to Ask Yourself

BETH BARANY: Now, as you consider launching and publishing your novel after you’ve written it, edited it, and got all the parts ready to do marketing, I want you to ask two questions of yourself. And if you’ve been following along in this series, these questions will be familiar. Two very simple questions. One is: what is working for you? As you entertain the publishing process.

Do you have resources? Do you know people? Do you have lots of examples? Do you have the information that you need to make a decision on how you want to go ahead and publish?

And then the second question is: what would you like more of?

Usually people at this phase, they would like more information. They would like to meet people who have done publishing in a few different kinds of ways.

When I’m thinking of the publishing phase in the launch phase, I often would like more energy. So sometimes I need rest. That’s really what I need to be able to really do this phase well, because I’ve spent a lot of energy editing and revising the novel, getting all the marketing ready that often I’m very tired by the time I publish. And I’m independently published, meaning I self publish most of my work.

So usually I need a break before I actually do any kind of official launch. And that’s quite all right. You can publish your work if you’re independently published or, and then take a break and then do all the marketing that you want to do for it.

[05:59] Final Thoughts and Resources

BETH BARANY: So that’s what I’m going to say in this episode on launching and publishing your novel. Write long and prosper.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061

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

***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

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

Email: beth@bethbarany.com

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

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

The post Launch and publish your novel (Step 7) appeared first on Writer's Fun Zone.

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Published on December 23, 2024 03:00

Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7)

Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7) – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 132

“There’s a lot of ways to launch a book. And you get to decide what is the way that feels the best for you.”

This episode is part of a mini-series based on the “Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap” where Beth Barany discusses the method she developed to help writers go from idea to published science fiction and fantasy novel.

In “Launch and publish your novel (Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap, Step 7)” How To Write The Future podcast host, Beth Barany explains the different publishing options you have for when you’re ready to launch your book and key considerations to think about, plus she shares 2 questions to help you start your publishing preparations.

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/

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/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING – START HERE

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

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.

Transcript for Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7) (Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap) [00:00] Introduction to the Podcast

BETH BARANY: Hey everyone, Beth Barany here with How To Write The Future podcast. I’m a science fiction and fantasy writer and also a writing teacher, coach, and editor. and I’m here to talk about Step Seven in my Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap.

[00:18] Overview of the Creative Heart Roadmap

BETH BARANY: This roadmap is for writers who want to go from idea to finished novel.

I work specifically with science fiction and fantasy writers. Although what I’m sharing in this roadmap can work with all fiction writers and probably even be extended out to nonfiction writers. Because I have worked with them as well.

[00:39] Launching and Publishing Your Novel, Step 7

BETH BARANY: So in this step, Step Seven, I’m going to talk about launching and publishing your novel.

I’m going to give you a few key points for you to consider and ask you a few questions.

Now, if you would like an overview of this entire roadmap. I have an episode on that. And if you would like a little bit deeper dive into each of these steps, I have episodes on that too. So be sure to check those out.

And also I have a workbook that comes with this roadmap. So you can write notes and reflect on all the questions that I’m asking you. So be sure to, check that out. That link is in the description.

So today I’m going to talk briefly about launching and publishing your novel.

There are two important things here that I want to say, and probably a few more, as I said, and then some questions.

[01:32] Key Considerations for Publishing

BETH BARANY: So when you launch and publish your novel, what I notice is for first time, novelists or people early in the process, they consider getting the book out there as quickly as they can because they want the satisfaction of having published. And that’s awesome. That’s wonderful.

So just keep in mind: what is your goal for launching and publishing your novel? Are you doing it for yourself or are you doing it for readers, to find readers? If you are doing it for readers, awesome. I work with people who want to find their readers.

Then think about all the components of publishing your book that are for the readers, meaning you want to make sure that your cover, your book blurb, and all the material that goes with marketing your book, categories and keywords, subtitle, author bio– that these are all prepared ahead of time. And you’re thinking of your audience as you write these.

[02:29] The word “Launch”

BETH BARANY: I want to talk about the word “launch.” When we say “launch your novel,” what we mean: is have, have a big announcement and tell everyone, Hey, my book is published. Now you can throw a party, you can do a book tour. You can do a blog tour, which is essentially going from blog to blog or social media influencer to-, and have different people talk about your work or you go into their platform and talk about your work, your new book. Or you could run some kind of big, in-person party. Or you can do none of that. You could just tell a few people.

So there’s a lot of ways to launch a book. And you get to decide what is the way that feels the best for you.

This is called Trust Your Creative Heart Roadmap for a reason. It’s about doing what is sustainable and enjoyable to you. And when you start from a place of strength, then you can expand outward and try some new things. Try some things that might feel risky or a little bit scary and expand outward into new territory, but start with a way that, of launching your book into the world that feels good for you.

[03:41] Different Publishing Options

BETH BARANY: And I’m going to talk a little bit about publishing, how to publish a novel. Now there’s the nuts and bolts of how to do it, if you’re self publishing.

There’s how to find a publisher and how to find an agent, if that is what you want to pursue.

And then there’s also something in the middle called hybrid publishing, where you pay a publisher who does some of the services for you, but you have a hundred percent control of the work.

And ideally you should also have a hundred percent control of receiving the royalties, depending on the agreement that you have with that hybrid publisher.

So there’s lots of options on which is all the different ways to publish. And you really need to figure out what is best for you.

This is not an episode in me going into all the nitty gritty and the pros and cons, but if you want more information on that, just let me know.

And I could make an episode on that as well.

So that’s what I wanted to say about publishing.

[04:37] 2 Questions to Ask Yourself

BETH BARANY: Now, as you consider launching and publishing your novel after you’ve written it, edited it, and got all the parts ready to do marketing, I want you to ask two questions of yourself. And if you’ve been following along in this series, these questions will be familiar. Two very simple questions. One is: what is working for you? As you entertain the publishing process.

Do you have resources? Do you know people? Do you have lots of examples? Do you have the information that you need to make a decision on how you want to go ahead and publish?

And then the second question is: what would you like more of?

Usually people at this phase, they would like more information. They would like to meet people who have done publishing in a few different kinds of ways.

When I’m thinking of the publishing phase in the launch phase, I often would like more energy. So sometimes I need rest. That’s really what I need to be able to really do this phase well, because I’ve spent a lot of energy editing and revising the novel, getting all the marketing ready that often I’m very tired by the time I publish. And I’m independently published, meaning I self publish most of my work.

So usually I need a break before I actually do any kind of official launch. And that’s quite all right. You can publish your work if you’re independently published or, and then take a break and then do all the marketing that you want to do for it.

[05:59] Final Thoughts and Resources

BETH BARANY: So that’s what I’m going to say in this episode on launching and publishing your novel. Write long and prosper.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061

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

***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

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

Email: beth@bethbarany.com

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

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

The post Launch and publish your novel. (Step 7) appeared first on Writer's Fun Zone.

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Published on December 23, 2024 03:00

Fatal Flaws in a Rom-Com? Yes, Please! by Laurel Osterkamp

Let’s welcome back Laurel Osterkamp as she shares with us “Fatal Flaws in a Rom-Com? Yes, Please!” Enjoy!

***

Ever since I was a kid in high school, studying Macbeth in my British Lit class, I’ve been enamored with the idea of a fatal flaw.

All of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes have one. Macbeth is too ambitious; Romeo has a bad temper; Othello is jealous and insecure.

Scholars still argue about Hamlet’s fatal flaw, but I say it’s indecisiveness.

If Hamlet could just get over all his angst and decide which path to take, then most of his problems would be solved. Same is true for the other heroes.

Their fatal flaw led to their tragic downfall.

Origins of the Fatal Flaw

This idea was not original to Shakespeare. He took it from the Ancient Greeks and their Elements of Tragedy.

But Shakespeare’s tragedies brought the fatal flaw to the next level.

They are known for both complex and flawed characters.

These flaws are not random, but rather integral parts of the character’s personality that are exploited by the events of the story.

So how can we, as novelists, use this idea of the “fatal flaw” to develop our own characters, even in a light-hearted novel?

The key is understanding how it can manifest in different ways and how it can be resolved through a character arc.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, as I simultaneously read Persuasion by Jane Austen, and Love, Theoretically, by Ali Hazelwood.

Both novels are light-hearted romances, albeit from very different eras. And both authors use the idea of a fatal flaw effectively.

In Persuasion, our heroine Anne is too weak-willed. She lets others persuade her, and loses her chance at a loving marriage.

In Love, Theoretically, Elsie is a chronic people-pleaser. She sacrifices her own happiness to please every person she encounters, and at times she even shifts her personality to meet the needs of others.

This creates a hopeless situation, and Elsie must learn to overcome those tendencies.

Fatal Flaws for Character Arc

After both Austen and Hazlewood established their characters’ “fatal flaws,” they used them to develop a character arc.

That’s where the genius of each novel comes in. The arcs show the character’s growth and transformation as they confront and overcome their flaws.

We see Anne learning to stand up for herself against her selfish family, and to show her feelings for Frederick Wentworth.

We see Elsie let down her guard, expressing herself when she’s angry, and doing something very risky for her: disappointing others.

Neither of these light-hearted novels are as dramatic as a Shakespearean tragedy, and the stakes are not life and death. Yet the fatal flaws are still crucial to the character development and the novels’ plots.

Additionally, as readers, we’re all able to relate.

Our Own Fatal Flaws

We all have flaws and struggles, and it is through seeing these flaws in characters that we can connect with them on a deeper level.

We root for them, we empathize with them, and we feel a sense of satisfaction when they overcome their flaws and grow as individuals.

In a light-hearted novel, this can also be a source of humor and entertainment, as we see characters make mistakes and learn from them in amusing ways.

Thus, the idea of a “fatal flaw” found in Shakespeare’s tragedies can be a useful tool for novelists to develop a character arc, even in a rom-com.

By understanding how a flaw can manifest in different ways and drive character growth, we create relatable and dynamic characters that will resonate with readers.

So, no matter your genre, don’t shy away from the “fatal flaw.” It will make your characters seem human, and that’s when their journey becomes meaningful.

***

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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Staying Freelance by Andrea Reider

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Published on December 20, 2024 03:00

Q&A with Andrea Reider

Please welcome Andrea Reider to our Featured Author Q&A series at Writer’s Fun Zone. Enjoy!

***

If you’d like to be considered for an interview, check out our guidelines here.

***

About Andrea Reider

Andrea Reider has been working as a book designer and layout artist/typesetter for authors and publishers 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 that was converting from traditional phototypesetting to the much cheaper Macintosh desktop systems.

When Andrea moved to San Francisco a year later, her Macintosh skills were very much in demand. She 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.

When she’s not working on books, Andrea spends most of her time with family, including her beloved mother, sister, brother, and nieces and nephews. Andrea has been playing guitar since she was seven years old and credits her many great teachers with maintaining her interest and enabling her to increase her skills as a musician.

On to Our Interview!Q. Tell us who you are and what inspires you to write

A. I was an avid reader as a child and young adult. Whenever I found an author that I loved I would try to read every book they had ever written. I was an English major in college, and thought I would become a full-time writer when I graduated.

However, I ended up falling in love with book design and typesetting and made a career as a freelancer running my own business. Working on books for other authors is very gratifying to me, but writing and publishing my own book is even better.

Q. How did you get to this place in your life? Share your story!

A. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1985, which was the beginning of the desktop publishing revolution.

My first job out of school was managing a typesetting shop in Ann Arbor that was just switching over from traditional phototypesetting computers to Macintosh computers.

I typeset my first book using Microsoft Word version1.0. I moved to San Francisco a year later, and my Macintosh skills were in high demand. I landed my first freelance book typesetting job with Addison Wesley Publishers, and have been at it ever since.

Q. What are you most passionate about?

A. My passion for the past 30 years has been all about designing and formatting books. I truly love everything about working with books along with building my freelance business. I also love putting together jigsaw puzzles.

When I was a teenager I challenged myself to finish a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in under 30 minutes. I sat there doing the same puzzle over and over again with my best speed coming in at 31 minutes.

Typesetting and formatting books has a lot in common with putting together jigsaw puzzles. Both require focus, visualization, and perseverance–keeping at it until the job is done.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process, routine, and/or rituals around your writing?

A. To write “Staying Freelance,” I set myself the goal of writing at least 1,000 words per day and wrote as many as 2,000 words on some days. I did most of my writing in the early morning before I got busy with my freelance book design and typesetting work. I never know when I’m going to get in a new project to work on, but I’m always primed and ready for anything that happens.

I enjoyed writing “Staying Freelance” more than editing the book, but I pushed myself through many drafts before coming to a final manuscript that I could show to others.

Q. What are a few challenges you faced in creating, marketing, or publishing your creative work? And your solutions to them.

A. I’ve helped hundreds of authors publish their books, but working on my own book was another type of challenge. Writing a book about my freelance career was relatively easy for me, but the process of editing the book and preparing for publication involved many aspects that were quite new to me.

Unlike many of the successful writers I’ve known and met, I’m not comfortable with public speaking, which is one of the best ways to promote books. Instead, I’m doing my best to reach out to people through social media, blog posts–anywhere I can write about my book.

Q. What’s next for you in your creative work?

A. I plan to continue designing and typesetting books for as long as I have clients giving me work. And, like I write in my book, I will continue reaching out to new authors and publishers until the well completely runs dry.

The nature of my work is in itself creative, but I find that building and maintaining my freelance business (and income) requires all of the creativity and ingenuity that I can muster.

I also plan to write another book, but I haven’t completely settled on the topic. It will likely be nonfiction.

Q. Is there anything else you wished I’d asked? Please share!

A. My purpose in writing “Staying Freelance” was to share my story with other freelancers and inspire people to take the steps necessary for long-term success. I had written other versions of the book that included a lot more personal information and much more about my life outside of the world of book design and typesetting. I really tried to focus on how I developed the skills required for my industry and on the many things I’ve done to promote and maintain my freelance business.

Developing the skills to have entrepreneurial success as a book publishing professional is often the easiest part of working with authors and publishers as a long-term freelance book designer and typesetter. Successful freelancers can spend more time marketing their skills and looking for new clients than they do working on paid jobs and projects.

Staying Freelance is a candid look into the many things Andrea Reider did to establish, grow, and maintain her freelance book design and typesetting business over the course of 30-plus years. One of the main takeaways is that it’s more important that you try out new ways to find clients than overthinking and coming up with a single master plan.

The most important factor in finding new clients is timing-,-finding companies that are open to new freelancers because they are growing or have recently lost a valued employee or other freelancer. The best way to have good timing is to reach out to as many people as possible and hope to connect with the right person at the right time.

Loving the work you do goes a long way toward dealing with and surviving the inevitable downtimes that always seem to be right around the corner. Staying Freelance offers many thoughts and ideas on how to achieve success, overcome the dreaded feast-or-famine cycle, and maintain a steady business for the long-term.

Website: http://www.reiderbooks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreareiderdesign
Twitter @andreareider11
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andrea.reider
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-reider-6967908

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