Writing Break
Episodes
You Wrote a Book. Now What?
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about the editing process, from start to finish.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks:“More...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #6)
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is review time again, dear writer. Every week I provide you with at least one writing tip, and I have put together a clip show of the last several ...
Naming Your Characters Like a Pro
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I have a trend report update for you mystery, thriller, and suspense writers. We’re also discussing your characters’ names. Julian Simpson on...
3 Main Ways Weather Can Enhance Your Writing
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share three main ways weather enhances a story.The Space Between Dark and Light by Jan Krause Greene - Featured AuthorRainy Day Boo...
Writing Advice from a CIA Agent Turned Fiction Author
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A CIA agent turned fiction author offers writing advice about character development that can be applied to all genres of fiction.In Espionage Thriller...
Should You Write Blog Posts for Money
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am reviving an old money-making idea and answering an editing question I’ve refused to answer for 20 years.The Saga of Roland Inness by Wayne Gran...
Writers vs AI
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode you’ll learn how to write better than any AI-generated content. I’ll also share the latest trend in wellness books, upcoming books...
Copyrighting Your Book
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’ll tell you about copyrighting your book. We are also going to talk about Barnes & Noble’s new rewards program, and I’m s...
Should We Rewrite the Classics or Let Them Go?
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are discussing ISBNs, identifying deepfakes, and rewriting dead authors. Plus, I have a few belated gifts for you.First Look Book Club - Gift #3 of...
Sensitivity Reads: The Upside and the Downside
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when an author does not agree with their sensitivity reader? In the case of one Big Five publisher, the author didn't get a rebuttal.Brea...
What Genre Sold the Most Books Last Year
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’ll be discussing publishing salaries, book pricing, and since it’s Valentine’s Day, what’s trending in romance books. In honor of our...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #5)
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is review time again. Every week I provide you with at least one writing tip, and I have put together a clip show of the last 10 week’s worth of ...
The Balance between Researching and Writing Books
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m bringing you some great advice from successful authors, so get ready for that. Open your notes app, or if you’re anything like me, take ...
AI-Narrated Books and Getting to the Heart of Your Story
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re discussing AI-narrated audiobooks and book awards. We also discuss how getting to the heart of your story will help you identify your wr...
The Thief Who Keeps Stealing My Resume
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We’re talking about books and movies releasing Spring 2023. Plus, the thief who stole my resume is at it again. Spring 2023 Announcements: Mid...
Don't Make This First Draft Mistake
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rosemi is back from holiday, and she comes bearing gifts for you. She also tells you about a common and easily avoidable first draft mistake rookie wr...
Six-Month Book Publishing Plan
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode contains a quick rundown of some important news from the book world, plus, a little gift for writers.Six-Month Book Publishing PlanAmazon...
Bestselling Authors Share Their Worst Book Signing Experiences
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about several bestselling authors' worst book singing experiences, and learn one thing many aspiring authors fail to do.The Christmas Spirit: A ...
Forget Notebooks: 5 Meaningful Gifts Writers Actually Need
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for the perfect gift for the writer in your life? Forget notebooks and pens—this episode reveals five priceless gifts that every writer trul...
The Biggest Mistake Writers Make
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes the latest publishing news, the etymology of soccer, and a full breakdown of the biggest mistake writers make and how to fix it ...
How to Break into the Book Market
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Get tips on how to break into the book market, and learn how to neutralize your writing obstacles with one little word.Hobart Book Village on the Toda...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #4)
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ten weeks' worth of writing tips in one episode.Free Style Sheet TemplatesFree Writing Tips
How to Calculate Your Page Count
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re finding out how many pages your manuscript will be in print form, and we’re working on a fun writing exercise together. Plus, we discu...
Writing Techniques for Better Dialogue
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode provides writing tips for better dialogue, an update on the Penguin Random House–Simon & Schuster merger, thoughts about gatekeepin...
7 Tips for Creating a Setting
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what it really means to win NaNoWriMo. Plus, we discuss 7 tips for creating your novel's setting.In conversation: May-lee Chai & Belinda Huijuan...
These 7 Components Will Set the Perfect Pace for Your Story
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This Halloween episode breaks down the components of the scene and sequel structure to ensure that every scene you write is essential and moves the st...
8 Common Novel Endings
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Authors often wonder how to end a novel. We'll review the 8 most common ways to end a story.Bullet journals for writers - Bright Bird PressBelinda Kro...
Tips for Writing Your Book's Climax
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about writing your novel's climax, becoming an award-winning podcast three times over, and the latest publishing news.Dee Alv...
Hemingway, NaNoWrimo, and Writing Act 3
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We begin our discussion of Act 3 of a three-act book, and I share my professional opinion of NaNoWriMo. I also share a rare recording from Ernest Hemi...
4 Reasons Authors Mess Up the End of Act 2
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is filled with good news, including a big win for authors, a new program for debut authors, and a new feature on Spotify. We also review ...
Tips for Writing Act 2 of a Novel
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We grapple with the second checkpoint in Act 2 of a three-act novel: the Struggle. Plus, I tell you about giveaways and events taking place during Ban...
The Hardest Part of a Book
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I will guide you gently into Act 2 of your novel, and you will talk me down from yet another literary soapbox. And that is why we work well toge...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #3)
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ten week's worth of brainstorming, plotting, character development, and other writing tips from a professional book editor.Free Style Sheet TemplatesF...
12 Plot Frames That Can Support Your Novel
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To wrap up our discussion of Act 1 of your book, I am answering listener questions, and you asked some good ones. Also, learn about paid interns...
The Art of Writing Backstory
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are continuing our journey through the three-act structure today. I hope you wrote a killer hook last week. This week we’re looking at Backstory ...
Write Your Opening Hook
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, we will begin our discussion of Act 1 of your story today. We’re also talking about what you have in common with Stephen King, the anti...
4 Dramatic Elements to Create Your Story's Structure
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America's Editor provides a step-by-step guide to help you solidify your story's structure. We also find out what books are trending and what books ar...
All the Characters Your Book Needs
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are taking a look at the supporting characters in books to help you decide if your book has too many, too few, or just enough characters. We are al...
Writing Characters We Love to Hate
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this law and order episode of Writing Break, I’m dishing out two scoops of courtroom drama with a sprinkling of murder. So, let’s take a break ...
5 Things Great Protagonists Have in Common
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll learn 5 things all great protagonists have in common and what people really mean when they say, “Your book will never sell.”...
Story vs Plot vs Premise
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re discussing the difference between story, plot, and premise. We’re also talking about decreased print sales, Amazon’s ebook return po...
5 Brainstorming Tips for Writers
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 2 of Writing Break. We’re beginning our trek through a three-act novel today with five brainstorming tips. We visit a cinema-turne...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #2)
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a full episode of writing tips from America's Editor, a professional book editor. These tips are for new writers and published authors alike.H...
2 Writing Tips I Cannot Live Without
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the season 1 finale of Writing Break, and we’re ending with two of America's Editor's favorite writing tips. We have a lot to cover in 15 min...
Self-Editing Tip for Writers
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America's Editor has an important update for authors about ISBNs and a self-editing tip for writers that will save them time and money.Donate to suppo...
The Best Way to Start Any Story
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America's Editor tells you how to start your book or short story.Hondred Percent – Official site for Poet Rapper Hondred Percent - Featured AuthorVi...
The Author Who Murdered Her Husband
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
America's Editor shares the average page count of today’s bestseller and talks about a group of readers who want books with characters their age. Pl...
The Future of Publishing
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re discussing the future of publishing, an author who declined a literary award, and tips for selling books in person.Todd Fahnes...
The Different Types of Anti-Heroes
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We travel to Vilnius, Lithuania, learn about the different types of antiheroes, discuss a disturbing trend on LinkedIn job posts, and catch up on Amaz...
Why We Love Anti-Heroes
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features publishing profit updates, a burning publishing house, and an ode to the anti-hero.Jaire Sims - Featured AuthorGlad Day Bookshop...
2 Free Gifts for Writers
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Get whisked away to the Dutch Caribbean to visit with our listener friends. While we’re there, we discuss beach reads, the impossibility of being a ...
Why Every Writer Needs a Style Sheet
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features a lot of happy publishing news, a trip to the Land Down Under, and information about style sheets and the people who love them.R...
Every Writer Needs This One Document
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll catch up on publishing news, continue our global independent bookstore visits, and learn how publishers keep an author's writin...
Nonstop Writing Tips (Clip Show #1)
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty minutes of nothing but writing tips from a book editor and publishing manager.Free Writing TipsMusic licensed from Storyblocks:“More Jam Plea...
4 Dos and Don'ts for Working with Beta Readers
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse takes you to an inspirational bookstore in Denmark, fills you in on publishing news, and shares 4 dos and dont's for working with beta reader...
This Writing Tip Could Save Your Career
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse delivers a writing tip that could save your manuscript and maybe even your writing career and reports on AI-generated books. We also head to ...
What People Are Reading This Year
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Writing Break, we’re discussing Simon & Schuster’s prediction for book sales in 2022, the end of Pitch Wars, and Brandon Sanderson's m...
Identifying Your Ideal Reader
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse visits your neighborhood and discusses an Amazon fail, a school board win, libraries, your ideal audience, and more. Five books removed from ...
New and Noteworthy? That's You!
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse discusses the paper shortage, big-box bookstores, audiobooks, and self-promotion for writers.The Bookworm Used Bookstore, Myrtle Beach, SC - ...
3 Habits to Improve Your Writing
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse shares three habits guaranteed to improve your writing. She also discusses rising book prices, writing during wartime, and poetry.Charlotte B...
How to Write Better Dialogue
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re talking print-on-demand price hikes, new imprints, and romance. The Muse also shares some tips on how to write better dialogue...
Authors and NFTs
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse talks about sci-fi, NFTs in publishing, & navigating fear when writing your first draft.Kelly Sedinger - Featured AuthorStar Cat Books, B...
Killing Your Darlings in New Orleans
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse helps you murder your darlings and tells you about a real-life book thief.On the Art of WritingS.M. Ryan - Featured AuthorBaldwin & Co., New ...
Top 3 Writing Tips from America's Editor
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Muse shares her top 3 writing tips and calls for the retirement of the phrase "work–life balance."Nicole Banks - Featured AuthorBooks & Books, C...
Writing Break Short Trailer
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writing Break is the podcast for writers who need a moment to themselves.Hosted by America’s Editor, a professional book editor and fellow writer, W...
Writing Break Full Trailer
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writing Break is the podcast for writers who need a moment to themselves.Hosted by America’s Editor, a professional book editor and fellow writer, W...