Writing Roots

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. Nothing can pull a reader out of a book faster than breaking their suspension of disbelief. When someone picks up a book, they agree to accept the impossible, but within certain limits. Authors can push the boundaries of that suspension by writing too many impossible things within the world that has been set. Ley and Leigh break down the most common ways authors get the readers to set the book aside. First aired April 30, 2020. The post S9E9 – Suspension of Disbelief appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. Rules in writing are, as Captain Barbosa said, more guidelines than actual rules. They can be anything from MLA and APA style guides rigidly adhered to in collegiate and other educational settings to rules authors create for themselves. The trick is knowing when and how to follow or break them to be most effective. First aired April 27, 2020. The post S9E8 – The Rules of Writing appeared first on Writing Roots.

While the month of April has been focused on crimes committed by both authors and readers, the bonus episode is going to zero in on the foundation of all crimes by authors. It all comes down to the audience. Writing Roots’ mantra of “write selfishly” may seem to contradict the idea of pleasing the audience, but it is all part of the process. Hosts Ley and Leigh use this episode to get into what it means to have audience participation in books, and why authors need to keep them involved from at least the second draft onward. First aired April 25, 2020. The post S9 Bonus – Audience Participation appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. Cultures across the world are rich and great sources for inspiration for authors. Traditions, styles, religions, and folk tales can all play a part in creating an interesting world, whether it’s a fantasy or real setting. It can be dangerous, though, to misrepresent real cultures. We talk in this episode about how to avoid crossing from inspiration to negative appropriation. First aired April 23, 2020. The post S9E7 – Cultural Appropriation appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. There are all kinds of themes in books that authors hesitate to use for fear of offending the audience. Often, though, the authors worry too much. It’s okay to include , drugs, and a bit of Rock & Roll in your book because it makes characters real. First aired April 20, 2020. The post S9E6 – , Drugs, and Rock & Roll appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. A main reason many people become authors is because they have a story, character, or world they want to share with everyone. Authors have complete control over everything in their story, but sometimes that power can be taken too far. Even withing worlds we create, there are limits to what can and can’t be done. That is the danger of going into “God Mode.” First aired April 16, 2020. The post S9E5 – God Mode appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. A writing crime that happens to be an actual crime is plagiarism. Many new authors worry their stories are too similar to ones they’ve read, and are unsure when it crosses from inspiration to plagiarism. This episode talks about the difference: how inspiration is good for all authors and how actual plagiarism is actually very uncommon. First aired April 13, 2020. The post S9E4 – Plagiarism appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. Writing a book is a venture that should not be taken lightly. It takes a whole lot more than just coming up with the idea to start. But one of the worst writing crimes anyone could commit is to just keep saying “I have an idea for a book” and expect it to magically appear fully finished. This episode helps break down how to go from an idea to a finished product, starting with finding a voice. First aired April 9, 2020. The post S9E3 – “I Have an Idea For a Book” appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. In a world where instant gratification is standard and entertainment is delivered constantly, writers need to take extra caution. It is no longer a time where an author can spend three pages describing a tree because it is no longer a world where readers have little other choice for entertainment. To waste the reader’s time is a crime that will not gain authors any favor or return customers. First aired April 6, 2020. The post S9E2 – Wasting the Reader’s Time appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are some crimes people can commit that aren’t punishable by law. This series is dedicated to those involved with writing, whether they be committed by the author or the readers. To be clear, this series isn’t designed to help writers better create crimes (murder, theft, etc.) within their novels. The kinds of crimes we’ll talk about range from boring the readers to abusing the control you have over the book and characters. It’s a common phrase throughout modern culture: “The book/movie was better.” This is something everyone should stop saying, as both mediums have their use and purpose. Storytelling is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, and not everyone likes to read or stare at a screen for two hours. This episode talks about the benefits of each medium, especially books, and what those who consume stories should remember. First aired April 2, 2020. The post S9E1 – “The Movie Was Better” appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Non-fiction is another umbrella genre that is widely popular to write. It can cover anything from cookbooks and self-help to biographies and memoirs. While many people want to write in this genre, it does require consideration before attempting to publish with the expectation of making money. First aired March 30, 2020. The post S8E9 – The Non-Fiction Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Thanks to Joseph Campbell, writers have been able to put a name to a plot structure that has been used in storytelling for centuries. The Hero’s Journey can be seen in ancient mythologies and modern movies. While some new authors are concerned about writing something unique, many have found the benefit of using the Hero’s Journey as a template for their writing. It’s not just about the twelve steps Campbell described in his book. Knowing the journey can help authors figure out the middle part. We often know how to start the book, and how it’s supposed to end, but new authors tend to falter in the middle. This month’s bonus episode is dedicated to helping writers use the Hero’s Journey template to round out their story with content that matters to the plot no matter the genre. First aired March 28, 2020. The post S8 Bonus – The Hero’s Journey appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. It takes a special kind of imagination to write horror well. Unlike the horror movie genre, it is more than bashing people over the head or sawing them in half. Writing horror takes a dedication to description that will captivate the reader and send them glancing into the shadows with a deep fear. First aired March 26, 2020. The post S8E8 – The Horror Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Comedy is more often a subgenre in writing than a genre of its own. It can be very challenging to write something that is focused on comedy without it being a parody or satire of some kind. However, there is a lot of freedom in comedy. Just look at some of the more popular authors: Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Oscar Wilde. As long as the writing is good, a story in any setting can make someone laugh. First aired March 23, 2020. The post S8E7 – The Comedy Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. An element of this genre is in almost every story out there. Love, lust, and loss have been part of the human experience from the beginning of time. It would make sense, then, that one of the most widely-read genres is romance. This episode breaks down the elements of romance and what makes a story fall into this genre rather than others. First aired March 19, 2020. The post S8E6 – The Romance Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Books should be filled with questions and intrigue, but no genre can do it quite as well as mystery. It is in the name, after all. From amateur sleuth to police procedural, the mystery genre is filled with tales of “whodunit.” This episode breaks down what kinds of mysteries are out there and what is expected for authors who venture into the wildly popular genre. First aired March 16, 2020. The post S8E5 – The Mystery Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. The thriller and suspense genres excel at one thing: action. It’s about the fight and the question. They also have some of the shortest novels out there, opting for implication and brevity over wordy descriptions. This episode breaks down the writing style and important aspect for authors who choose to write suspense or thriller. First aired March 12, 2020. The post S8E4 – The Thriller and Suspense Genres appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Not only is Young Adult fiction one of the most varied genres out there, it is one of the most widely read. There are a lot of things to consider when venturing out into the world of writing YA, including the target audience and subgenres. First aired March 9, 2020. The post S8E3 – The Young Adult Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Science Fiction is about boldly going where no writer has gone before. Like Fantasy, there is infinite space for creativity and imagination, but it differs in one major place. Technology. This episode is all about the different aspects of Sci-Fi, from imagining futuristic technology to using modern theories and ideas in writing. First aired March 5, 2020. The post S8E2 – The Science Fiction Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Genres can be tricky things for new authors. The genre often determines the audience, writing style, and even basic themes contained in the book. Many new authors ask in forums across the internet which genre is best for their book. This series is dedicated to those authors, in hopes of answering those questions. Each episode will break down a different genre, from the expected word count to the sentence structure. Fantasy is one of the most popular genres for writing, whether it be high or urban or anything in between. This episode focuses on what it means to write fantasy and why it is one of the best genres for those with a big imagination. First aired March 2, 2020. The post S8E1 – The Fantasy Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

There are so many tropes attached to women in fiction, many of them unflattering and unrealistic. The “Mary Sue,” which we covered at the beginning of the month, is just a drop in the bucket. Everyone can think of a book, movie, or some kind of entertainment that includes absurd depictions of women. Sometimes it’s the supermodel who, somehow, can fight ten men while wearing heels. Sometimes it’s body parts that are given expressions of their own, completely disconnected from the woman’s own emotions. Sometimes it’s simply making women shallow, not only in personality, but in characterization. Women in fiction should reflect women in reality, just like men in fiction should reflect men in reality. There should be real emotions, realistic physiology, and and real depth. First aired February 29, 2020. The post S7 Bonus – Women in Fiction appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. A feature of many stories – from ancient to modern – is a struggle between good and evil, light and dark, selfishness and selflessness. Mankind is usually in between. In some version, especially those that lean towards comedy or parody, it is represented literally with an angel and a devil on the shoulder. Sigmund Freud used Id, Ego, and Superego to represent the same kind of struggle. Knowing these ideas can help author create real, personal struggle for their characters that should, like humans in general, be stuck somewhere in the middle. First aired February 27, 2020. The post S7E8 – Shoulder Angels appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. It happens in so many books, movies, and especially television shows. The main characters are seemingly immortal. Nothing can kill them because they’re the main character. If they do die, they are somehow brought back to life. This is a trope known as Plot Armor. While sometimes necessary, if taken to an extreme it can leave the reader uninterested and far from invested in the plight of your protagonist. First aired February 25, 2020. (We apologize for the delayed posting of this episode. The audio proof editor encountered some personal delays.) The post S7E7 – Plot Armor appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. Writing a great ending is a challenge. Authors spend the whole book making sure the protagonist faces problems they can’t overcome. But the good guy is supposed to win in the end, right? That’s where a Deus Ex Machina comes in: an easy way out of a tough corner that is guaranteed to frustrate the reader. It’s a trope that, in many opinions, should never be used. This episode discusses why, and how to avoid needing the machinery of the gods in the first place. First aired February 20, 2020. The post S7E6 – Deus Ex Machina appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. Have you ever read a story and found both the good guys and bad guys are pursuing an object which seems to have no actual value or worth in the end? In the world of tropes, that object would be known as a MacGuffin. It’s there just to get things going, but serves no other function. This episode focuses on the uses of this trope and how to make an object trigger a plot and serve a deeper function. First aired February 17, 2020. The post S7E5 – MacGuffins appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. Happy Valentine’s Day! This was the perfect opportunity to address one of the most common tropes across all genres. Love triangles are central to many Young Adult and Romance books, but it’s often found in subplots of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and even Mystery and Action novels. Like any trope, there are ways to use it effectively and still leave your reader satisfied with the resolution. First aired February 13, 2020. The post S7E4 – Love Triangles appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. Writing should be done with purpose. The characters, events, and even object must have some reason to be there, to be mentioned. One common trope is Chekhov’s Gun, where an item is mentioned with seeming importance, but does not actually matter to the plot. As Chekhov said, if you mention the gun on the mantle, it should at some point be fired. This episode focuses on why even items should be written in with intention. First aired February 10, 2020. The post S7E3 – Chekhov’s Gun appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. A Red Herring can be a wonderful tool, especially in mystery and suspense, to help you engage the reader. It opens opportunities for plot twists and unexpected endings. But it can also lead to the Shaggy Dog trope. That’s where a story leads the reader down a pointless road that ends in a lack of satisfaction. This episode is all about finding the balance to having the perfect Red Herring. First aired February 6, 2020. The post S7E2 – Chekhov’s Red Herring and the Shaggy Dog appeared first on Writing Roots.

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist. It’s a trope you’ll see most often through the Young Adult and Romance genres: the Mary Sue. It’s the main character who is all-powerful, loved by all, and yet somehow described as plain or common. It’s a stand-in for the author, and in some cases (Twilight) an “everywoman” stand-in vague enough in all ways that the reader can be the main character. It’s one of the most dangerous tropes when it comes to having a story with depth. First aired February 3, 2020. If you’re wanting to learn more about tropes and the many different kinds out there, visit tvtropes.org. The post S7E1 – The Mary Sue appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. There’s nothing quite like reading a book, expecting you know what’s coming, only to have a twist that surprises you in a good way. Those stories pull you in further, make you want to keep reading, to never put the book down. Plot twists like that, though, are difficult to craft. We discuss some principles that will help as you add twists to your own writing. First aired January 30, 2020. The post S6E9 – Writing Plot Twists appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Three is the magic number when it comes to establishing something in writing. Whether it’s to solidify a joke or create a theme, having it three times in your book can make the difference between a reader remembering it and a reader wondering why it was there in the first place. First aired January 27, 2020. The post S6E8 – The Use of Three appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Writing a good – and by this we mean interesting and compelling – villain can be a challenge. Many new writers want the best and most talented character to be the protagonist. That usually ends with a boring story, since the protagonist never faces any real challenges. Writing a villain is more than just giving the good guy opposition. It’s about motivations, similarities, and so much more. First aired January 25, 2020. The post S6 Bonus Episode – What Makes a Good Villain appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Writing humor, for many authors, is one of the most difficult things they could try. A joke may seem bland, or the writer may worry it will fall flat. They may also worry a character they perceive as being the comic relief may not be seen the same by the readers. Writing humor isn’t always easy, but there are things that can help ease those worries. In this episode we talk about how humor works and the best uses in a story. First aired January 23, 2020. The post S6E7 – Writing Humor appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Not every story has to be a tale of good versus evil, or a moral tale reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables. There are a lot of different ideas that can make the basis for a story. In this episode we talk about and share examples of stories that aren’t always good versus evil, including chaos versus law and nature versus technology. First aired January 20, 2020. The post S6E6 – Writing Stories Which Aren’t Good vs. Evil appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. A character’s voice should be unique compared to the other characters in a story. Part of this comes from the author’s chosen point of view. Whether the book is written in first person or third person makes a large difference in the words and flow, not just in dialogue. First aired January 16, 2020 The post S6E5 – Character Voice and Point of View appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Killing a character can be a difficult decision – or easy, if you’re that kind of author. If you need help, you need only look to simple principles in story structure. There are times in a story that make a death more meaningful to your readers and relevant to the plot. We discuss those principles in this episode, along with if and how to kill main characters. First aired January 13, 2020 The post S6E4 – When to Kill a Character appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Dreams, flashbacks, and prologues are all devices with specific uses in writing. When used correctly, they add flavor and depth to a story. There are, however, too many cases where they are used improperly. It creates a jarring experience that throws the reader out of the story or simply confuses them. In this episode, we discuss these devices and how they can be used properly. First aired January 9, 2020. The post S6E3 – The Use of Prologues, Dreams, and Flashbacks appeared first on Writing Roots.

Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Momentum in a story is what drives the reader to the final pages. Losing it can result in the reader setting aside the book for other pursuits. Momentum can be found even without constant action. Ley and Leigh discuss ways to keep your reader around, and what to avoid so the momentum doesn’t slow. First aired January 6, 2020. The post S6E2 – Maintaining Momentum appeared first on Writing Roots.

Happy New Year, listeners! Welcome to 2020. Authors can always be served by returning to the basics of writing. We spend so much time focusing on the grand scale of books – plot, themes, sequels – that the simple pieces of writing which make a story stand out can be lost. This month, Writing Roots is focusing on the nitty gritty, from writing dialogue and humor to developing character voice. Dialogue in writing is tricky. So much goes into determining just how spoken words appear in a story. Authors must consider the character, their background, and their situation, while still making it feel natural to the reader. Ley and Leigh discuss the use of dialogue, languages, accents, and more in this episode. First aired January 2, 2020. As promised in the episode, here is the link to the XKCD comic “Fiction Rule of Thumb.” https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/fiction_rule_of_thumb.png The post S6E1 – Writing Dialogue appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. The ease of self-publishing has made it so nearly anyone can be an author. Their supporters – whether they be family, friends, or fans – are always looking to buy the next book. Supporting an author, though, can include so much more than monetary contributions. In this episode, Leigh and Ley talk about other ways to help your favorite self-published authors. This episode is a few minutes longer than normal. Be sure to listen to the end, as we ask you, our listeners, questions. We want to know what you’re interested in, what you want to know, and how we can help you most in your writing journey. And of course, Happy New Year! First aired December 30, 2019. The post S5E9 – How Do I Help Authors I Support? appeared first on Writing Roots.

It’s time for another Battle of the Hosts. The topic of conversation is adverbs. Are they good or bad? Should authors use them or avoid them? Ley takes up the pro-adverb argument, believing that adverbs can help add flavor and understanding. Leigh argues against them, calling them redundant and often replaceable. Which side are you on? First aired December 28, 2019. The post S5 Bonus – Battle of the Hosts: Adverbs appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. New authors tend to let their head take over their work. While using your head is good for things like grammar and sentence structure, writing comes from the heart. Still, questions such as “is it too cliche?” and “is this genre popular enough?” pop up in the heads of writers everywhere. Leigh and Ley discuss the answers in this episode. First aired December 26, 2019. The post S5E8 – Is it All in My Head? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. How do I know which publishing path is right for me? Is self-publishing an option if I want to become a best-seller? With today’s technology and ease of access, every new author has to ask these questions. It’s not always a one or the other answer, though. Leigh and Ley discuss the difference in this episode. First aired December 23, 2019. The post S5E7 – What’s the Difference? Traditional vs. Self-Publishing appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. What if I get a negative review? Do I have to go to school for writing to be a writer? How do I find my voice as an author? We address these and more in this second part of our exploration of the question “how to become a writer.” First aired December 19, 2019. The post S5E6 – How Do I Become a Writer? Pt. 2 appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. What is the difference between being a writer and being an author? How do I even get a book published? Should I be going to writer’s conferences and retreats? Is all of that even required to be a writer? These are just some questions people wonder as they’re beginning a career in writing. Hosts Leigh and Ley address these and more in the first part of this two-episode set on becoming a writer. First aired December 16, 2019. The post S5E5 – How Do I Become a Writer? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. This is a question that dogs many writers in their process. They wonder about writing that explicit or violent scene. They worry that they aren’t a writer if their work isn’t published traditionally. In this episode, the hosts discuss why this question should never hold you back. First aired December 12, 2019. The post S5E4 – Is it Okay if I Write _____? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. Time is a constant pressure weighing down on so many writers. There are always questions about time. How long should it take to write? How long should a chapter be? Am I too old or too young to be an author? First aired December 9, 2019. The post S5E3 – Is Time a Construct or an Illusion? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Lindsey Teske, head editor and publisher at Of Ink and Pearls, joins us in this Industry Spotlight episode of Writing Roots. She and hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull discuss the job of an editor, what writers should know, and the publishing process. Of Ink and Pearls, started by Lindsey, is a boutique publisher much like AspenHouse Publishing. They offer services to help authors along the path to publishing, tailored specifically for the author’s needs. Of Ink and Pearls is offering the first ten Writing Roots listeners a personalized book marketing plan for their published or unpublished book. Use code ROOTS at the Of Ink and Pearls website. The offer expires March 1, 2021. First aired December 7, 2019. Contact for Lindsey Teske and Of Ink and Pearls – Publishing Path quiz – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – LinkedIn The post Industry Spotlight – Lindsey Teske appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. Writing Roots is using December to explore your questions, along with questions we see most often in our business. Doubt can be crippling for any author, but especially new ones. There’s always that voice in the back of your head wondering if your writing is actually any good. Hosts Ley and Leigh talk in this episode about how to overcome those doubts, and when to recognize areas of improvement. First aired December 5, 2019. The post S5E2 – Am I a Terrible Writer? appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing and publishing a book can be a daunting process. It starts with an idea and hope for the future, but is often crushed by the constant questions along the way. What makes a good book? How do I actually sell the book? How do I even get it published? Writing Roots was designed to help authors tackle any obstacles along the way, so we are taking December as our opportunity to explore your questions, along with other questions we see most often in our business. In this episode, we discuss names. Should you use a nom de plume, and how do you even pick one? How do you name your characters? First aired December 2, 2019. The post S5E1 – What’s in a Name? appeared first on Writing Roots.