Writer Craft Podcast Valerie Ihsan

Main Topic: Discovery Writing with KimBoo York
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. 
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions closed. Reading stories now. Garden Home Community Library Writers Series "Self Publishing Success" June 25 gardenhomelibrary.org 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat (Day Passes $400) Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Focus and Finish Group Coaching Cohort Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents (Accidental Stranger Book 2 preorder this coming week)  
Author Update:
Erick:
launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) June 21st, Importance of Telling Your Story. 90.7 FM KBOO Erick 9am-10am frustrated with the stories coming in (writers are not listening to submission requirements) Valerie: injured, humping along speaking Alaska Writers Guild conference in October Moose's Tooth Pizza (Erick recommends I eat there.) I'm reading: Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe Erick:
Cold Victory by Karl Marlantes KimBoo York is reading: Nirvana in Fire (English translation) (This is the graphic novel/manga version.)
 
Notes:
Writing fan fiction helped [KimBoo] come into her own voice and writing process. 
Discovery writing is a technique.
Leaning into your curiosity. 
Writing into the Dark (Dean Wesley Smith)
Can intuitive writers use it?
Dear Writer, Are you intuitive? Becca Syme.
Instinct comes in.
Study and practice = intuition
Discovery writers lean on intuition heavily. New writers may have a hard time with discovery writing until they practice.
After one million words, you will discover your writing style.
Discovery writing as improve "Yes And" -- leaning on knowledge.
Not free association writing. Writing into your curiosity (guard rails, not stream of consciousness). Going on the journey with the character. 
Don't get stuck on what "should" happen. Just follow the curve as it goes around.
Start small. Practice.
Discovery writing before the page (Erick).
Write out of order. 
Reverse story beats, reverse outline.
How can you use this in nonfiction or blog posts and essays?
YES. A different process. 
Nonfiction: Start with the introduction. Choose sentences to pull out as a section header. Move things around in manuscript for flow. Writing it out is what helps her (KimBoo) understand the organization. 
First draft or second is not the finished product. 
Do this with your marketing! Take two days to do it and stay curious.
Stay curious until it's done.
Purposely leave holes so readers will be curious and explore.
Plug: houseofyork.info
By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing
One Million Words Club on Discord (productivity, mindset)
Find Us:
 
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons: 
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
 
Resources: 
"How to write

Main Topic: Using Tropes to Avoid Writer's Block
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. 
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions closed.  Garden Home Community Library Writers Series "Self Publishing Success" June 25 gardenhomelibrary.org 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction Black Springs Saga Book 1 out now (it's the prequel) 99 cents  
Author Update:
Erick:
launched new book series (Black Springs Saga)   Valerie: new class good (planning on repurposing the content)  
I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe   Erick:
 
The Manitou by Graham Masterton  
Notes:
Use the tropes to get started. 
The obligatory scenes are already outlined for you.
You can definitely make it your own. It's not cheating.
Read in your genre. Understand the tropes in your genre. (Deconstruct books you love so you can learn to write that way. Read: The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black.
Make an Id List to discover your favorite tropes.
Find Us:
 
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons: 
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
 
Resources: 
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheet Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon The Anatomy of a Best Seller by Sacha Black Slow Productivity by Cal Newport 

PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. 
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions open until stories filled, or May 31st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction Submissions class June 25th in Portland area. Link TBA. (Taught by Erick.)  
Patron comment: 
Comments/email from listeners: 
Questions from listeners:
 
Author Update:
Erick:
prepping for new class launched new book series (Black Springs Saga) went camping with son (Cub Scouts) writing new story (TV pilot) (using as a sample for ghostwriting website) Valerie: started teaching new class mastermind helping me make some decisions getting ready for LeslieSophia changing website to streamline and point to coach I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe   Erick:
Werewolf anthology Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter by Shelly Brady HT to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack by Chuck Sambuchino Homicide (GN based on The Wire)  by David Simon One Tough Mother by Gert Boyle  
Notes:
Single use content is labor intensive. 
Blog --> YT video, marketing material on various sites, podcast talking points.
Podcast episode --> YT video, social media, newsletter, public newsletter. 
Think about the purpose of the work you do. Harmonious message. Expert in field.
Different video lengths serve different scenarios for your audience.
Takes more than one time before they click on your content and engage with you.
Look at HOW to use it, and where. 
 
 
Find Us:
 
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons: 
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
 
Resources: 
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheet Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Tho

Main Topic: Author A.B. Herron on writing cross-genre with dyslexia
Amanda is passionate about discussing the realities of being an indie author while being dyslexic, straddling the fantasy and romance genres, the importance of highlighting sex positivity in our society, and the impact her background in anatomy and zoology has on her magic systems and world building.
PATREON:
Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. 
Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.
Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Exploring Imagery in Creative Nonfiction  
Patron comment: 
Comments/email from listeners: 
Questions from listeners:
 
Author Update:
Erick:
    Valerie: sick last week wrote lesson plans in bed   I'm reading: Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe Slow Productivity by Cal Newport  Amanda is reading comfort books right now: Arrows of the Queen series. 
Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson
Erick:
 
Notes:
A.B. Heron is a dyslexic author residing in the Pacific Northwest. She works full time, writes in the cracks between responsibilities, and plays with dogs because she just can’t help herself. For more insights into what make her fantasy stories flourish, follow her on Instagram @a.b.herron or check out her website www.abherron.com
Tip: If you have a Barnes and Noble near you, walk in and say you are a local indie author and ask if they are doing author signing.
 
Writes adult urban fantasy, romantasy, paranormal romance. Elemental World Series (two books now, third coming this year, 5 total in series).
 
Dyslexia was a barrier to being a writer only emotionally. Looked for strong technical editors. Spelling and word choice are struggles. Name recall is hard. 
 
Showed original work to trusted people, started getting positive responses, showed little bits at a time. "I can write, just not spell. The distinction was powerful for me. I am smart." Not barriers; just work arounds. Used a small press that didn't keep the rights. They help you make a book. Luminare Press.
 
Vellum dyslexia font choice: 1 in 5 people with dyslexia, fonts don't make it easier to read for all people. Font doesn't slow Amanda down. Ask your readers if they want a paperback with a font designed for dyslexic readers.
 
Need magic systems to make sense with science background. Looking at the anatomy of humans and canines. Build physical laws into magic systems. How water or energy works, conservation of matter. HOW does it work? 
 
Wished she'd maybe finished writing series before publishing.
Learn as you go. IG book community very supportive. Tripped into publishing.
 
Abherron.com
Instagram a.b.herron
Books available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble 
Coffee Fueled Stories Podcast, Ep with A.B. Herron
Amanda is signing at Hot and Steamy Romance Writers in Portland '24 event.
 
Find Us:
 
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Author Update:
Valerie:
adopted a new dog "Buddy 'Keif' Nelson" Monthly Reflection tonight, or this weekend at the latest (if you are a patron and want to do it with me, let me know) just coming out of Q1+ funk and catching up on visiting with friends and self-care, so my tasks in the last week have been skewed towards personal/not business: haircut, birthday party, meditation, journaling, appointments with my life coach, yoga, introducing Usha to new doggy friend, fancy brunches, attending a new mastermind group I'm in, hot tub soaks, lunch out with a friend, and taking our new dog to the vet. And the next few days will be the same: catching up with friends, seeing my dad and step-mom, taking my son out to dinner, Chiro, yoga, the gym. starting work at the bookstore again part time starting next week. I'm reading:
beta read manuscript The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe Notes:
I read from the Foreward and Step One of new permafree book Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers.
**
Foreward
I’m a not-so-closet list-lover. Some of you may not like lists. Some of you might have tried list-making in the past and found it didn’t work for you. But even if you are not a list-lover, you will find usefulness and value from this book and the exercises and resources in it.
I think we’ve all had the experience at one point in our lives where we’ve woken up and discovered that what we are doing is not what we want to do and, in fact, was someone else's idea all along. Maybe that was the job that your dad wanted you to have, or maybe it's the parenting style that your partner wants you to use, or maybe it's the vacation that your friend wants you to go on. Maybe none of those things held interest for you—or went against a core belief, even—yet you somehow made yourself believe you wanted them and you trapped yourself into doing them.
For instance, if you have been saying out loud all your life that you wanted to be a lawyer, and you went to law school, and you took the bar exam, and you passed the bar, and now you’re working in a law firm, and you're doing the hours, and you say to yourself (and you say to everyone else), “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and now I'm a lawyer. Isn't that great?” but underneath all that, you discovered at some point that, actually, you never really wanted to be a lawyer. What you wanted to be was a scuba dive instructor. If that is your passion and you can find a way to make a living doing scuba, then why are you a lawyer? 
This book will help you identify your dreams and plan for a future of success doing the things that are truly important to you.
Happy Planning!
Valerie
**
Step One
The system I’m about to show you is one I do at least twice a year, because I know myself. And I know that I get caught up in the zeitgeist. I get caught up in the excitement that other people have about their businesses and I think, “I can do that, too!” 
For instance, all my life, one of my dream jobs was to own a bookstore. And then, some years ago, I was offered the chance to buy, very inexpensively, a little bookstore. My breath quickened. My heart rate accelerated. Whoa. This was my dream. Here it was, handed right to me. It would be so easy to do—the way it was set up, the finances and the inventory and the space, and even the internship, basically.  
I thought about it for weeks. 
The reason she wanted to give up the bookstore was because she wanted to put more time into her own writing, which should've been a red flag from the very s

Announcements:
PNW inspired horror caretakerpress@gmail.com; Submissions open until stories filled. Starting to read May 1st. 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop registration open; https://valerieihsan.com/retreat Three Story Method: Writing How-To Books out now. Focus and Finish: Goal-Setting and Strategic Planning for Writers (First in Series) Author Update:
Erick:
building landing pages for ads (for testing)  Dead Still presale price 99 cents Revision of Book Two in new series finished (this weekend) Pikes Peak Writing Conference in Colorado Springs, CO using content from conferences for social media clips  
  Valerie: new printer (printed out all the things) published a permafree book (first in series) Book two is half written from repurposed content   I'm reading:
beta read manuscript Thunder Song by Sasha taqŵšeblu LaPointe  
Erick:
The Institute Stephen King
 
Notes:
First Lines--book, chapters, scenes; sets the stage, POV, entice the reader away from other distractions, vary the opening lines within a book to prevent boredom; repetitive, stylistic elements only sometimes work. 
Openings--protag's needs and wants
Hooks-- into the story, seducing; narrative voice; themes; settings; odd or curious, "First lines are invitations." - Stephen King; what kind of party is your book?
Find Us:
 
Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan
Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor
Writer Craft Facebook Group
Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com
Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com
Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com
Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n
Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com
Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account
Patreons: 
https://patreon.com/valerieihsan   
https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries
Tools:
Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150
ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
 
Resources: 
"How to write an eavesdropping scene" on Erick's blog
Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group (Jennie Komp's group)
3 Bird View FB page (Jennie Komp's business page)
Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)
Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)
The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror
Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.
Contact Valerie for author coaching.
Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.
Balance meditation app.
Story Rubric version 1.1 and podcast episode. Three Story Method worksheet Book Recs for writing/creativity/business:
Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles
Take Off Your Pants: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing by Libbie Hawker Story Hypothesis: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Resonating Stories by JP Rindfleisch IX Fast-Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours by Rachael Herron Three Story Method: Foundations in Fiction by J.Thorn and Zach Bohannon