The Pen to Published Podcast

Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BOOKS

A podcast for authors and self-publishers. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.

  1. APR 24

    Interview with best-selling author Sophie Hannah

    In the final episode of series 8, the two Alexas have the privilege of chatting with best-selling author and author coach, Sophie Hannah. As well as writing her many contemporary crime novels, Sophie was also commissioned by the Agatha Christie family to write a new series featuring Christie's famous detective, Hercule Poirot. And when it comes to mindset for authors, Sophie is a goldmine crammed with nuggets of wisdom on how to think and the steps to take to make your writing dreams become a reality. So grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy her brilliance.

    1h 7m

  2. APR 17

    Narrative techniques and why they're like a juicy layered cake - part 1

    Whether you call them narrative techniques or literary devices, this is a big, big subject. There are so many of these devices, and understanding what they are and how to use them is crucial to your fiction writing. In the penultimate episode of series 7, Alexas 1 and 2 run through a handful of better-known techniques that will help elevate your writing and immerse your readers.

    34 min

  3. APR 10

    Character arcs and how to make your characters memorable

    In this episode, the two Alexas talk more about writing craft and delve into character arcs: the journey authors take their characters on through their novel. Successes and failures are all a part of that journey, and they help readers to engage and identify with protagonists. Ultimately, strong character arcs will make a reader care about those characters, and want to keep reading.

    40 min

  4. APR 3

    Getting your dialogue right

    There's an art to writing brilliant dialogue in a novel - dialogue that truly brings your characters and your story to life. In episode 5, the two Alexas help you understand the craft of creating snappy dialogue that zips along with flare.

    38 min

  5. MAR 27

    Writing a satisfying ending

    You've started your book with a bang. You've got the middle bit under control. But what about the ending? How will you finish your story in a way that satisfies the reader? Whether you're aiming for a happy, sad, neat or even ambiguous final act, the two Alexas have advice for writing an ending that works.

    42 min

  6. MAR 21

    Tackling your book's messy middle

    The hardest and most challenging section of your book to write is likely to be the middle. It's the longest section within the three-act structure and it has to work for the reader in multiple ways. This week, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 share advice to help you tackle that messy middle bit.

    35 min

  7. MAR 13

    How to start your book well

    You've got the idea for your book. You've made some kind of a story plan. You're at the computer or clutching your pen ready to start writing ... But how do you begin a book in the most captivating way? In this second episode of the new series, the two Alexas talk about the three-act structure of a book and what an author needs to think about in the crucial first act to engage readers so they want to read on.

    36 min

  8. MAR 6

    Are stories everywhere?

    In the first of a brand-new series, the two Alexas chat about the maxim that 'stories are everywhere'. Are they really? Can inspiration be found in just about anything? The answer is YES! But, of course, a single idea doesn't make a whole story. So what's the next step in exploring the possibility of turning an idea into a book?

    27 min
See All (62)

Trailer

About

A podcast for authors and self-publishers. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Pen to Published Podcast - copyright 2021
  • Show Website
    The Pen to Published Podcast