Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
How to Build a Killer Writing Routine
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 50 Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. I...
Using Setting as a Character in Fiction Writing
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 49 Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest Marjorie Mc...
From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime and Fiction Writing
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 48 Have you ever thought about the parallels between writing True Crime and Fiction Writing? That is what this episode is all about. I had ...
Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 47 Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast, the podcast that ignites your creativity and fuels y...
Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock Creativity
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 46 Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or...
Get a Glimpse Behind the Publishing Curtain
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 45 Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated bouti...
The Fundamentals of Marketing for Writers
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 44 Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to ...
How to Tap into M.A.G.I.C. in your Writing
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 43 We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workpl...
Mining Your Life for Stories
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 42 In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your ...
Literary Agents: What to think about and look for, and so much more!
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 41 In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do yo...
Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 40 Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you? Do you know what editors do and what different types of edit...
Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block
11 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 39 Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just a...
You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 38 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspir...
Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction Writers
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 37 George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects...
Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 36 Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved t...
Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 35 Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE: https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu9...
10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 34 If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy my...
Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 33 Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Po...
Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 32 Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includ...
How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 31 Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategi...
Writing a Memoir: Tips and Processes to Tell Your Story
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 30 Episode Highlights: Everyone Has a Story to Tell: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the world of memoir writing w...
Crafting Powerful Openings: In Media Res vs. Wide-Lens Beginnings in Your Writing
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 29 Episode Highlights: Mastering the Art of Beginnings: In this craft-focused episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore different tech...
8 Science-Backed Secrets to Fire Up Your Readers' Brain So You Can Write With Impact
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 28 Episode Highlights: Unlocking the Science of Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersec...
Revising Your Manuscript Like a Boss: 4 Essential Steps to Perfect Your Writing
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 27 Episode Highlights: The Art of Revision: Love it or hate it, revision is a crucial part of the writing process that can transform a good...
Tips for Introducing Your Protagonist in your Fiction
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 26 Episode Highlights: The Challenge of Introducing Your Protagonist: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle the crucial cra...
Letting Go of Perfection: 5 Hacks to Banish Negative Self-Talk and Embrace Your Writing Journey
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 25 Episode Highlights: Embracing Imperfection: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the powerful lesson of letting go o...
Finances for Authors: Essential Tips for Managing Your Money
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 24 Episode Highlights: Mastering Finances as an Author: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle a topic that many writers mig...
Mastering Deep Point of View: How to Elevate Your Fiction Writing with Emotion, Thought, Action, and Decision
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 23 Episode Highlights: Understanding Deep Point of View: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the powerful concept of ...
Insights on Crafting Authentic Characters and Writing from a Different Perspective
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 22 " Episode Highlights: Exploring Different Perspectives in Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the art and cha...
How the Wisdom of Age Can Help You Write and Publish Your First Book
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 21 Episode Highlights: Publishing Later in Life: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the unique experience of publishi...
Making the Shift: How to Transition Between Writing Genres with Bestselling Author Nancy Naigle
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 20 Episode Highlights: Transitioning Between Genres: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunitie...
The Importance of Creating Diverse Characters in Your Stories: A Conversation with VM Burns
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 19 Episode Highlights: Why Diversity Matters in Fiction: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the critical topic of div...
How Weather Can Have a Huge Impact in Your Plot and on Your Fiction Writing
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 18 Episode Highlights: The Role of Weather in Fiction Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the powerful impact t...
Tools for Digging Deep into Character Development
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 17 Episode Highlights: Exploring Character Depth: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the tools and techniques that h...
Understanding Turning Points As Key Moments That Keep Your Story Engaging
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 16 Episode Highlights: What Are Turning Points in a Story? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the concept of Turning ...
Exploring Plottr: How Plotting Software Can Enhance Your Writing Process
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 15 Episode Highlights: Every Writer’s Plotting Journey: Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to write by the seat of your pant...
Insights on Using Journalistic Tools to Plan Your Novel
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 14 Episode Highlights: Journalistic Tools for Novel Planning: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore an innovative approach...
3 Essential Tips for Creating Compelling Characters in Fiction
19 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 13 Episode Highlights: Creating Characters That Come Alive: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into three essential strate...
Insights for Adding Myth and Lore to Your Novels
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 12 Episode Highlights: The Power of Myth and Lore in Storytelling: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how integrating m...
Understanding the Reluctant Hero: Qualities and Examples in Popular Fiction
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 11 Episode Highlights: What is a Reluctant Hero? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the concept of the reluctant hero—...
Exploring The Hero’s Journey in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief: A Story Structure Breakdown
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 10 Episode Highlights: The Hero’s Journey Explained: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most...
Mastering the Art of Research and Writing Historical Mysteries
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 9 Episode Highlights: The Challenge of Historical Mysteries: Writing a historical mystery is no easy task. It requires extensive research, ...
Creating Workable Systems and Business Strategies for Writers
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 8 Episode Highlights: From Author to Entrepreneur: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how to transition from simply bei...
Lessons Fiction Writers Can Learn from the Hollywood Writer’s Room
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 7 Episode Highlights: Inside the Hollywood Writer’s Room: Ever wondered what it’s like to be a fly on the wall in a Hollywood Writer’s R...
From Aspiring Writer to Published Author: My Journey and Origin Story
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 6 Every Author Starts Somewhere: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, I'm exploring the universal truth that all authors were once u...
How to Plot Your Fiction Novel: Plotting 101
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 Struggling to plot your fiction novel? Whether you’re a dedicated plotter or prefer to write by the seat of your pants, understanding the ...
Techniques for Every Writer on How to Add Humor to Your Writing
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 Do you want to add humor to your writing but worry that you're not naturally funny? You don't need to be a stand-up comedian to bring laught...
How to Outline While Still Writing by the Seat of Your Pants
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 Do you find yourself torn between detailed plotting and the freedom of writing by the seat of your pants? You're not alone! In this episode ...
Crafting a Convincing Villain: Essential Strategies for Unforgettable Antagonists
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Crafting a Convincing Villain: Essential Strategies for Unforgettable Antagonists Episode 2 In this episode of the WriterSpark Podcast, we explo...
Creative Writing Success: Choosing Passion Over Market Trends
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creative Writing Success: Choosing Passion Over Market Trends Episode 1 Welcome to the first episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, where my goal is ...