The Kate and Abbie Show

Episode 150: 7 Easy Ways To Add SUSPENSE To Your Story

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to...

Episode 149: How to Craft a Heartbreaking Villain's Backstory

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain w...

Episode 148: 10 Hacks to Write FASTER in Less Time

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you th...

Episode 147: How to Write MORE Words FASTER in 2025

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to sha...

Episode 146: How to Build a WRITING HABIT with NaNoWriMo

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast,...

Episode 145: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2024

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simp...

Episode 144: How to Make INSTA-LOVE Just as Swoonworthy as Slow Burn Romance 😍

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in to...

Episode 143: 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Characters More FLAWED and LOVABLE

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to write flawed, lovable, and relatable characters? In this new podcast episode, we're exploring five simple techniques for making you...

Episode 142: How to Make the Inciting Incident Happen in Chapter One

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to kick your story off with a bang and captivate your readers in chapter one? The secret is to make us care about your characters and writ...

Episode 141: 3 Simple Ways to Fix BORING Dialogue

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your dialogue falling flat, sounding repetitive, or feeling forced? Do you want to elevate your dialogue-writing skills but don’t know where to b...

Episode 140: Keys to Writing Writing a Powerful “Aha!” Moment

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The "aha moment" is one of the most important parts of your ENTIRE story! In this episode, we're diving into your character's realiz...

Episode 139: 6 MUST-KNOW TIPS for Young Writers (or Beginner Writers!)

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a young writer or just a beginner, and you’re feeling...overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. Kate and I are both familiar with the feelin...

Episode 138: How to Design a Book Cover That STANDS OUT

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even...

Episode 137: How to Actually Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever compare your writing to others and feel like you just don't measure up? Does self-doubt ever make you want to throw your manuscript in...

Episode 136: World-Building MISTAKES New Writers Make (Avoid These Cringeworthy Cliches!)

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Crafting a fictional setting, also known as world-building, is a crucial aspect of any good story. A well-crafted setting has the power to capture our...

Episode 135: How to Write MORE WORDS in 2024

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you feel like you just can't get enough words down? This year, all that can change. In this podca...

Episode 134: Answering YOUR writing questions! (End-of-Year Special)

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You asked us writing questions... and we are here to answer them! In this end-of-year special episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we're sitting ...

Episode 133: 7 Reasons To KEEP WRITING When You Feel Like Giving Up

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we...

Episode 132: How to Break Through Writer's Block During NaNoWriMo

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re nearly halfway through NaNoWriMo! A lot of writers experience a creative lull during the halfway point of a writing project — also known as ...

Episode 131: How to Write Consistently Every Day for NaNoWriMo 2023

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most daunting hurdles for writers is finding the time to sit down and write. 😩🕒 Kate and I understand the struggle of juggling variou...

Episode 130: The #1 BIGGEST MISTAKE New Writers Make

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's one big mistake I often see many new writers make… a mistake that can ruin your whole story and end your author career before it even be...

Episode 129: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2023 ✨✍️ #Preptober

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Preptober starts now! Are you preparing to write your novel for NaNoWriMo 2023, but you're not sure where to start? We believe that everyone's...

Episode 128: Fall in LOVE With Your Side Characters – Tips for Writing an Unforgettable Cast of Characters

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to make your side characters three-dimensional, relatable, and compelling? What if you could give them internal conflict that deepe...

Episode 127: How to Write a Compelling Romance Between a Hero and Villain

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of the same old romance tropes? Do you want to shake things up and create a compelling love story between your hero and villain? If so, ...

Episode 126: How to Make Time to Write and Establish a Writing Routine That Lasts

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to find time to write? Do you constantly find yourself procrastinating and avoiding your writing projects? Are you desperate to est...

Episode 125: How to Write a Bestselling Book Blurb

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Condensing your perhaps 100k+ word book into a tiny blurb is no easy task! Many writers are intimidated by the idea of narrowing down their book to a ...

Episode 124: How to Write a BANGER Opening Hook For Your Story

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to create an opening hook that truly grabs your reader's attention? Are you having trouble making your readers care about your ...

Episode 123: How to write complex and RELATABLE anti-heroes (with story examples)

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We often hear the phrase, "Anti-heroes are too good to be 'bad' but too bad to be 'good.'" But there's more to these bro...

Episode 122: How to Write Better Descriptions and Make Your Writing Style Shine

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Writing clear and captivating descriptions isn't always as easy as it sounds. We've heard from so many writers who struggle with this complex ...

Episode 121: How to Write the END of Your Story and Leave a Lasting Impact on Your Readers

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Not sure how to end your story? You want to write an unforgettable ending that will leave a lasting impression on your readers… but how do you pull ...

Episode 120: How to Instantly Give Your Characters Internal Conflict

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever read through a manuscript and worried that the internal conflict of your characters is just missing something but you can't qui...

Episode 119: The Ultimate Guide to Writing SLOW-BURN Romance

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to write a slow-burn romance that will make your readers fall in love and hold their interest until the very end? If so, today’s ...

Episode 118: 6 Cliché Tropes We Love/Hate...and How to Make Them NOT Cliché

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you afraid that what you're writing has all been done before? Is it too "cliche"? Is it an overused trope? Should you avoid writing tropes, or is ...

Episode 117: Write a BETTER Epic Fantasy Novel... Debunking Top Myths, and Breaking the Rules

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ever overwhelmed by just how much information is out there about how to structure your fantasy world, your magic system, your characters, and ...

Episode 116: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers - And Feel Better Than Ever

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle as an author with comparing yourself to other writers? That sinking feeling of dread that fills you when you scroll through social med...

Episode 115: How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle with self-doubt as a writer? Do you often wonder if your writing is good enough or if you have what it takes to make your author dream...

Episode 114: Stop Procrastination and Write the Book of Your Dreams

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been procrastinating your writing lately? Are you torn between your desire to create and your fear that whatever you write will be total rubb...

Episode 113: How to Accomplish Your Writing Goals in 2023

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to make your author dreams come true in 2023? This new podcast is for you! No more procrastinating, putting off that editing project, or convinc...

Episode 112: How to Write Better CHARACTER VOICE (with examples)

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What are the three key ingredients to writing spot-on character voice? That's the question we're exploring in today's podcast. As writers, we want to ...

Episode 111: How to Write Better Character Chemistry & Craft ADDICTIVE Relationships

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chemistry: that magic ingredient in a story that makes character relationships feel so darn REAL. What is it about a certain "ship," dynamic duo, or g...

Episode 110: How to Write Better INTERNAL CONFLICT

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been on mine and Abbie’s respective channels, or watched this podcast for any length of time, you know that Abbie and I believe that thi...

Episode 109: How to Write the Screenplay of Your Dreams - Turn Your Story Into an Unforgettable Film

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever dreamed of turning your story idea or novel into a film, but have NO IDEA how to go about screenwriting? Have you ever felt bewildered by all the...

Episode 108: How to Write a BETTER NOVEL this NaNoWriMo

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow marks the first day of NaNoWriMo 2022! Who's ready? In this episode, we wanted to provide a burst of insight and helpful tools to arm your fo...

EPISODE 107: 3 Keys to Immersive Dialogue (with examples!)

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to write better dialogue? If so, this new podcast is for you. When dialogue is written well, it can take your WIP to new heights, making y...

Episode 106: The 3 KEYS to Writing Lovable SIDE CHARACTERS

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to write unforgettable side characters? If so, this episode is for you. Side characters can often take a backseat to the main story and so...

EPISODE 105: Become a Successful Indie Author - Prep, Publish, & Market Like a Boss

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"How can we keep our community engaged with our content when our book is still not out?"  "How do I know when my book is ready to be published?"&...

Episode 104: HOW TO CRAFT A MIND BLOWING MAGIC SYSTEM (that feels realer than life)

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From wizardry, to spells, to rings of power, to lost prophecies and deep curses, there's something about magic that has collectively captured our hear...

Episode 103: How to Write Addictive, Page-Turning Action (And Keep Your Readers up Until 3 AM)

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well written action can be downright addictive. Let's face it: we love watching our characters face their biggest challenges and worst fears. But what...

Episode 102: HOW TO WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a book idea that you feel passionate about, but unqualified to write because you just don't know enough about the subject matter? Yo...

Episode 101: How to Write Description That Immerses Your Reader

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle to write descriptions that are short, sharp, and vividly immersive? It's no small task, this thing called "writing" – taking the ima...

Episode 100: HOW WELL DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER?

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're celebrating the 100th episode of the Kate & Abbie Show! For this special centennial episode, Abbie and I will be playing a game: how w...

Episode 099: How to Prepare for a Writing Retreat From Home

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You don't have to book a month long writing retreat at a resort, fancy hotel, or somewhere in the mountains to get some words on the page - you can ac...

Episode 098: How to Make Editing Not Suck

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhh, the editing process. We often have some mixed emotions at this step in the journey. The "fun creative" part is "over" and now it's all about rew...

Episode 097: 6 Things We Wish We Knew as Teen Writers & Entrepreneurs

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Raised in the Vermont mountains by two creative entrepreneur parents, Abbie and I started developing ideas for starting our own businesses at a very y...

Episode 096: Showing VS Telling – The Golden Rule of Writing, Simplified

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ah, showing vs. telling. As authors, we have all heard this one. It's great advice, but sometimes, it can seem a little hard to figure out. It's often...

Episode 095: When You Feel Like You're Not Making Progress on Your Dreams...

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you're not making progress on your dreams? Like, no matter what you do, it just kind of feels like your running on a treadmill? ...

Episode 094: Can a Plotter and a Pantser Write a Book Together?

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can a plotter and a pantser co-write a book together? That's the question we're tackling in today's podcast. You might not know this, but Abbie and Ka...

Episode 093: How to Make Your Character Voice Shine

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to give your characters unique voices? Do you feel like all your characters sound the same, or just sound like you? If so, this pod...

Episode 092: How to write a FLAWED HERO...that will make your readers fall in love

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What causes us to fall head-over-heels in LOVE with a main character? Is it something about their personality, their chemistry with the supporting cha...

Episode 091: Break Free From Distraction & Write With Focus - 5 Tips

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the "digital age" of the internet and social media, thousands of things vie for our time and attention, pulling us away from our craft and giving o...

Episode 090: How to Write Realistic & Captivating Dialogue

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dialogue: the backbone of character interaction and novel structure. It's what grabs a reader and pulls them into your character's world. But sometime...

Episode 089: How to Brainstorm a Novel (from scratch!)

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wondering what to write next? How to find that story idea that just SPEAKS TO YOUR SOUL at this moment? Or maybe you're trying to choose from a list o...

Episode 088: How to Hook Your Readers on Page One – Starting Your Book With a Bang

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hello friends, welcome! Today Abbie and I are breaking down one of the great mysteries of writing: that OPENING HOOK! How do we NAIL it? How to we dra...

Episode 087: Writing Hacks to Help You Stay Focused on Your WIP

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you often catch yourself getting distracted when you're trying to write? Don't worry – it happens to the best of us. That's why, in today's podca...

Episode 086: How to Boost Creativity with Mindfulness

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's modern "hustle" culture, we can often feel disconnected from our creativity. The internet and newsfeeds offer – and, in fact, encourage –...

Episode 085: How to Create Conversation About Your Book Launch (for Free)

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to create excitement around your book launch, but you're not sure where to start? Let's face it: nobody likes self-promo or spending a bun...

Episode 084: How We Co-Wrote a Book Together (Start to Finish)

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guess what? Kate and I just finished writing our first book together! We're super excited to reach the finish line for this first draft...and we're lo...

Episode 083: How to Publish Your Novel in 2022

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to make your author dreams come true in 2022 and finally publish that book you've been desperate to share with the world? Whether you're...

Episode 082: How to Get in the Writing Mood (Create a Ritual for Consistent GREAT Writing)

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As creative writers, we all LOVE those writing days where time seems to fly past without us even noticing. We are just SO wrapped up in our beautiful ...

Episode 081: How to Write Consistently in 2022

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is your goal to become a consistent writer this year? Or perhaps to write that book you've always wanted to write? If so, this podcast is for you. In ...

Episode 080: 5 Ways to Make Your Villain Terrifyingly Unforgettable

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to craft a villain that goes beyond the stereotypical black-cloaked figure laughing in the darkness, this episode is for you. In this spec...

Episode 079: 7 Tools That Will Save Your Writing Life

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered which writing tools are actually worth investing in? Which ones will increase your productivity, organization, and ultimately h...

Episode 078: How to stay focused on your writing through the holiday season

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is upon us - things often get hectic this time of year with family, festivities, and more... but that doesn't mean we have to negle...

Episode 077: Morning Routines for Writers – what we do to stay inspired

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of hearing about "millionaire morning routines"? We are right there with you! We are firm believers in starting our mornings in ways that nouris...

Episode 076: How to Have Perseverance as a Writer

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Starting a book is exciting! We are on a new journey, a new path, with plenty of motivation and drive. But what about when we hit those 'dry' spells, ...

Episode 075: How to Create the Ultimate Writing Playlist

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You asked for it! Today we're breaking down one of our favorite topics: how to build a writing playlist that will instantly inspire you to sit down an...

Episode 074: How to use NaNoWriMo to build a regular writing habit

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're kicking off #NaNoWriMo today... go you! You're already off to a great start with building a writing habit. How? Because it research has show...

Episode 073: Joining NaNoWriMo last minute? How to choose a story idea you'll FALL IN LOVE WITH

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're joining #NaNoWriMo last minute - good for you! This episode of the show is dedicated to you writers who are taking the plunge and joining Na...

Episode 072: How to write a FAST first draft for NaNoWriMo... without rushing or cutting corners

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Preptober is coming to an end, and #NaNoWriMo is nearly upon us! As many of you gear up for this popular writing challenge, you may find yourself thin...

Episode 071: What I Wish I Knew on My First NaNoWriMo – Our Best Advice for Starting Your Dream Novel

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's #Preptober! Many of you may be getting ready to start writing your novel for NaNoWriMo... or perhaps you simply find yourself thinking up or begi...

Episode 070: Create a Healthy Mind for Better Writing

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are many important aspects of writing a novel. Perhaps you like to take notes, outline, and work on your story's plot, characters, and so on. Bu...

Episode 069: Preparing for NaNoWriMo 2021 - Write Your Best Novel Yet!

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you getting ready to write a novel for NaNoWriMo? If so, you might be asking yourself: how do I even begin to prepare? Don't worry. In today's pod...

Episode 068: Becoming Confident in Yourself as a Writer

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to gain more confidence in the craft you love? Whether you are starting out on a journey with your very first novel, or whether you've bee...

Episode 067: How to Find the Perfect Editor for Your Book - Start to Finish

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Almost ready to send your beautiful novel out into the world? Great! That means it may just be time to start looking for an editor. This is one of the...

Episode 066: The Ultimate Writing Routine...in 5 Steps

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to build an inspiring writing ritual, but aren't sure where to begin, Kate and Abbie have got you covered in this episode. Today, we're st...

Episode 065: How to Take a Fun & Effective Writing Retreat at Home

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stuck at home wishing you could be on a writing retreat instead? What if you could take a writing retreat from the comfort of your own home – elimin...

Episode 064: How to Take Criticism & Critiques as a Writer - And Grow From Them

21 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does a negative review have you feeling down about your work? Did one of your beta readers give you feedback that left you doubtful of your own work? ...

Episode 063: The First Steps to Indie Publishing

21 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to publish your first (or tenth!) novel independently? Or simply exploring your publishing options? Authors Kate and Abbie are breaking down the...

Episode 062: How to Overcome Discouragement as a Writer

21 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever sat in front of your manuscript and thought: "maybe I'm just not cut out to be a successful writer" this episode is for you. In this ep...

Episode 061: How to Promote Yourself With Confidence as an Author

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel unconfident and uncomfortable promoting your own work? You're not alone! Many authors have trouble self-promoting in a way that feels good...

Episode 060: How to Overcome Your Fear of Writing

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you hesitant about starting your first novel? Or perhaps you're just nervous that your current WIP isn't good enough? It's time to overcome your f...

Episode 059: How to Overcome Your Fear of Writing

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're tackling a big one, guys: how to CRUSH that fear of the blank page! Whether you're hesitant about starting your first novel, or simply ner...

Episode 058: We're Co-Authoring a Series! Answering Your Questions

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're co-writing a new book together! You've heard us mention this in previous episodes - Abbie and I are writing a new series together, and it's unli...

Episode 057: How to Make Time to Write

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever catch yourself saying "I just don't have time to write"? Is your schedule so crammed, that working on your WIP always slips just out of re...

Episode 056: How to Finish a Novel When You Have No Motivation

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever started a writing project that you were super excited about in the beginning but just...lost steam about halfway through? Or maybe you j...

Episode 055: How Digital Minimalism Can Make You More Creative

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wish you were less distracted and more focused on your writing project? Do you wish you looked at your phone less, or spent less time in f...

Episode 054: How to Craft Characters Your Reader Will Fall in Love With

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to create a main character (or a cast of characters) that are memorable, complex, lovable, and most importantly so addictive that your rea...

Episode 053: How to Get Out of a Writing Rut FAST

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you've hit a wall with your current WIP? No new, fresh ideas? Or maybe you just feel a complete lack of motivation to move forward wi...

Episode 052: How to Start Writing the Book of Your Dreams

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to start writing that novel you've been dreaming about, or perhaps simply break into a new genre? Today, authors Kate and Abbie Emmons are breaki...

Episode 051: How to Talk About Your Writing With Confidence

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you in the midst of writing a story that you’re passionate about? Or perhaps planning the novel of your dreams? When you’re there, at your des...