Writing Roots

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. Two guests join the hosts of Writing Roots in this bonus episode about resources. Jason Prado and Becky Buell of the Shasta Public Libraries talk about what help their libraries can offer to authors, such as study material, internet connection, computers, and even group meeting spaces. First aired November 30, 2019. The post S4 Bonus – Resources: Public Libraries appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. A writing career often comes with opportunities to work with others, whether it’s for a collaborative effort or ghostwriting. This episode focuses on what’s needed when you work with other authors, and how it can be a benefit to your writing and brand. First aired November 28, 2019. The post S4E8 – Working with Other Writers appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. Not all writers write books. Some write poems, speeches, scripts, or articles. In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss the differences for different mediums and what you need to expect when you branch out of the book business. First aired November 25, 2019. The post S4E7 – Writing Other Media appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. Have you ever stopped reading a book to look up the meaning of a word? It’s not so bad once or twice, but it can get bothersome if you’re constantly having to go to a dictionary. That’s the danger of relying too heavily on a thesaurus during the writing process. It is a useful tool for an author looking for the right word, but can lead to trouble. Ley and Leigh talk in this episode how to use a thesaurus correctly to enhance your writing. First aired November 21, 2019 The post S4E6 – Using a Thesaurus appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. New writers often find themselves wondering about how to use punctuation not often taught in schools. In this episode, Ley and Leigh discuss correct use of punctuation such as the em and en dashes, and when it’s okay to break the rules. First aired November 18, 2019. The post S4E5 – Back to Basics: Punctuation appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. Muses can be fickle things, but writers rely on them often. It can be dangerous territory and enable a writer to fall into the chasm known as procrastination. In this episode we discuss finding sources for inspiration, how it can be helpful, and when to use caution regarding the muse. First aired November 14, 2019. The post S4E4 – Answering the Muse appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. A key element to being able to write is finding a good environment in which to sit and focus. For some that means a quiet, solitary room. For others it’s a bustling cafe. Ley and Leigh discuss in this episode how to find the right place for you to get the most out of your time spent writing. First aired November 11, 2019. The post S4E3 – Finding the Right Place to Write appeared first on Writing Roots.

Writing Roots is beginning a new segment called Industry Spotlight. These episodes will feature interviews with people involved in the publishing process, including authors, editors, and publishers. Our first Industry Spotlight features Dennis Medbury, author of the newly-released Secrets of the Runestones. First aired November 9, 2019. Author information – Amazon: Secrets of the Runestones – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dpmedbury/ – Twitter: @DennisMedbury The post Industry Spotlight – Dennis Medbury appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. In this episode, Ley and Leigh battle it out to attempt to figure out which is the better starting point: Writing it down with a pen, or typing it up into a keyboard. They point out the benefit and struggles in hopes of helping you figure out what works best in your own style. First aired November 7, 2019. The post S4E2 – Battle of the Pen and Keyboard appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer needs tools to help them along the way. This series will be focusing on the toolbox. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of the medium used for writing, how to find the ideal location and setting to optimize your writing time, and get into the details of punctuation and word use. November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. Writers everywhere set out to write 50,000 words in the month. It can be a daunting task, especially when you have school, work, or other hobbies. In this episode of Writing Roots, Ley and Leigh break down the numbers and offer suggestions on how to get the most out of the month. First aired November 4, 2019. The post S4E1 – Getting the Most from NaNoWriMo appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Happy Halloween! In this episode, Ley Esses and Leigh Hull talk about the things that go bump in the night and how to make it work in your stories. We discuss what makes something scary, the difference between horror and terror, and how to build a monster. First aired October 31, 2019. The post S3E9 – Monsters and Horror appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Religion is a large part of earth’s history and the motivation for more than a few wars. In fiction, religion can play a part in not only your world as a whole, but in your character’s motivations and desires. Leigh Hull and Ley Esses discuss how to create a religion or a pantheon that works with – or against – your characters and world. First aired October 28, 2019. The post S3E8 – Building a Pantheon appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. We return with the Forge in this episode, the writing group that helped start AspenHouse Publishing. Listen to hear Halloween-themed stories written by authors in The Forge. First aired October 26, 2019. The post S3 Bonus – The Forge: Short Horror Stories appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Weaknesses are for more than just powers. Characters need weaknesses to make them interesting. Leigh Hull and Ley Esses talk about what weaknesses can do for your story, and what kinds of weaknesses can work. First aired October 24, 2019. The post S3E7 – Weaknesses appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. What is the difference between superpowers and magic? Ley Esses and Leigh Hull discuss what superpowers mean in a story and how those powers can influence your characters. First aired October 21, 2019. The post S3E6 – Superpowers appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. In this extended version of our last episode, Ley Esses and Leigh Hull dive deeper into how to write death via a range of weaponry, and what happens to a body as it dies. First aired October 19, 2019. The post S3E5.5 – Murder 102: Director’s Cut appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Almost every story (sans children’s books) contains at least one death. Not all writers, though, understand what is actually happening when someone dies. Ley Esses and Leigh Hull discuss death via a range of weaponry, and what happens to a body during death. Special note: We ended up speaking much longer on this topic than intended. For a more extensive review of death and murder in writing, we will be publishing the Director’s Cut this Saturday, October 19. First aired October 17, 2019. The post S3E5 – Murder 101 appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Some authors struggle to make their world feel real to the reader. That usually goes back to how much effort – or lack thereof – was put into building the weather and architecture of the cultures. Ley Esses and Leigh Hull talk through how to incorporate accurate weather – and how that influences architecture – into your world to help the reader feel immersed. First aired October 14, 2019. The post S3E4 – Weather and Architecture appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. While we explored some of the basics of magic in the Worldbuilding, part 2 (aired in August), Leigh and Ley explore deeper into using specific types of magic and what it could do within the bounds of your story. First aired October 10, 2019. The post S3E3 – Building Magic Systems appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. Magic and technology are often seen as opposing forces within fiction. A common trope is one cannot work around the other. Leigh Hull and Ley Esses talk about using both in a story and why they don’t always have to be opposites. First aired October 7, 2019. The post S3E2 – Magic and Technology appeared first on Writing Roots.

Every writer has heard the adage “write what you know” at least a dozen times. What does it even mean? As writers, especially of fiction, we constantly write what we don’t know. This month, we explore how to navigate the balance between imagination and reality. The first episode focuses on the broader spectrum of writing outside what you know. From research to simple creativity, Ley Esses and Leigh Hull explore ways to make it seem like you know what you’re writing about. First aired October 3, 2019. The post S3E1 – Writing Outside Your Expertise appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. It’s time to celebrate! If you’ve reached the time to release your book, you need to congratulate yourself. In this episode, we talk about the celebration process, and then how to follow through to get your book out into the world. First aired September 30, 2019. The post S2E9 – Release and Launch appeared first on Writing Roots.

In this bonus episode of Writing Roots, we’re taking a step away from the Final Draft to discuss emotions. Most everyone feels emotions, but none of their experiences are exactly the same. Leigh Hull and Ley Esses use this bonus episode to explore emotions using four main categories: mad, glad, sad, and scared. We discuss how to write realistic emotion and how to make your reader feel what your characters feel. First aired September 28, 2019. The post S2 Bonus – Writing Emotion: Mad, Glad, Sad, and Scared appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. Metadata is the necessary evil to self-publishing. Ley walks us through all the different steps of gathering the metadata in order to publish your manuscript, from an ISBN to writing a blurb. First aired September 26, 2019. The post S2E8 – Preparing the Metadata appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. Audiobooks are an oft forgotten piece in the self-publishing process. It’s a growing market, especially compared to both e-book and print markets. Listen to learn more about why self-published authors should remember it before sending the manuscript to print. First aired September 23, 2019. The post S2E7 – Audiobooks appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. This episode explores the marketing process. After writing and editing comes actually trying to sell the book. Self-publishing makes this a challenge, simply because it is such a large market. Listen to learn more about how to brand yourself, your books, and get your name out into the world. First aired September 19, 2019. The post S2E6 – Marketing Yourself and Your Book appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. While we all try to tell ourselves that people don’t judge books by their covers, everyone does anyway. A good cover can make or break the sales on your book. Leigh guides the discussion with Ley to talk about different kinds of covers and why all self-published authors shouldn’t just slap a cover together. First aired September 16, 2019. As promised in the episode, here’s Hank Green’s Ranting about Books. The post S2E5 – Designing Your Own Cover appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. Beta readers are an invaluable resource for knowing how well your book is going to be received by your target audience. Ley and Leigh have a chat about what they are and how they can help an author improve their work. First aired September 12, 2019. The post S2E4 – Beta Readers appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. Getting your work edited can be hard. It takes a tough skin and the ability to accept constructive criticism. It sometimes feels like letting someone else destroy your carefully built sandcastle. This episode, we talk about why and how you should get your work edited by someone else. First aired September 9, 2019 The post S2E3 – Being Edited appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. In this episode, we focus on editing the rest of the books. Too often in the self-publishing world, we see books that haven’t been edited, let along self-edited. We talk about why checking again for mistakes and continuity is so important for the quality of your work and the name of self-publishing overall. First aired September 5, 2019 The post S2E2 – Self Editing: Proofing and Continuity appeared first on Writing Roots.

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers. The first episode deals with the first step: The first chapter. It’s often one of the roughest parts of a manuscript because authors don’t always know how it’s going to end when they begin. First aired September 1, 2019. The post S2E1 – Self-Editing: The First Chapter appeared first on Writing Roots.

A special guest joins this BONUS episode of Writing Roots. Ley Esses and Leigh Hull are joined by a member of their writing club, Crystal Hart. The Forge is a group that gathers monthly to practice writing, editing, and being edited. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and get help in developing your writing. This episode, we talk about our works in progress and how having a writing group has helped each of us develop and improve. The final weekend of every month, we’ll be posting a bonus episode. They are longer and more casual episodes. Many will feature guests who specialize in some aspect of the publishing process. First aired August 31, 2019. The post S1 Bonus – The Forge appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. This episode we’re getting into the details of resources available to help you write, namely the Alpha Readers and Developmental Editors. These are people who can read and contribute to your story as it’s being written. Join Ley and Leigh as they explore the what’s good and bad about getting help early. First aired August 29, 2019. The post S1E9 – Alpha Readers and Developmental Editors appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. It’s time for real talk. Simply writing is often one of the most difficult things for authors, especially new ones. In this episode, Ley and Leigh break down what has helped them just write. First aired August 26, 2019. The post S1E8 – Getting it Written appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss designing brand new worlds. Creating vast and interesting planets is always a blast for the writer, but how does one avoid making it a chore to the readers? First aired August 22, 2019. We go into more depth about creating new worlds and cultures during our third series in October 2019. The post S1E7 – Worldbuilding: Fantasy and Magic appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss designing cultures that are interesting and believable. Can a fan fiction be written about it? How do your characters interact with it, or vice versa? First aired August 19, 2019. We go into more depth about creating new worlds and cultures during our third series in October 2019. The post S1E6 – Worldbuilding: The World Around You appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss how to design support characters that leave an impact on the reader and the story as a whole. Why are they often the favorite characters among audiences? Find out by listening! First aired August 15, 2019. The post S1E5 – Character Design: Support appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss good guys, bad guys, and the transformation that comes to each. Also included is how to tell which character is the main character in your story. First aired August 12, 2019. The post S1E4 – Character Design: Primary appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss how to access the best elements of story structure without feeling cliche. There are a lot of models and theories regarding story structure, but there is something most everyone agrees on: it’s there to help authors and readers feel like the story is worth reading. First aired August 8, 2019. The post S1E3 – Story Structure appeared first on Writing Roots.

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss understanding genres and how it affects the writing process. Knowing which genre you’re writing in also helps you know how to best reach your perfect reader. First aired August 5, 2019. The post S1E2 – Genre appeared first on Writing Roots.

Welcome to our very first episode! Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing. Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down. In this episode, we discuss different approaches to the writing process, primarily outline writing (“plotters”) represented by Ley Esses, and discovery writing (“pantsers”) like Leigh Hull. Everyone has a slightly different method to the madness that is storytelling, and knowing that about your own style can help you not waste time in getting your story written. First aired August 1, 2019. The post S1E1 – Plotting vs. Pantsing appeared first on Writing Roots.