Writer Spark is a biweekly broadcast about business, creativity, and the craft of writing fiction hosted by bestselling author, fiction writing teacher, and writing coach, Melissa Bourbon. It’s your go-to resource for all things writing! Featuring successful authors who share invaluable insights on various craft topics, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. Enjoy stand-alone episodes packed with essential writing tips, from plotting and character development to mastering the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, WriterSpark Podcast is here to ignite your creativity and elevate your writing journey.
WriterSpark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
Claim This Podcastby Melissa Bourbon
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50 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Writer Spark is a biweekly broadcast about business, creativity, and the craft of writing fiction hosted by bestselling author, fiction writing teacher, and writing coach, Melissa Bourbon. It’s your go-to resource for all things writing! Featuring successful authors who share invaluable insights on various craft topics, each episode is designed to inspire and educate. Enjoy stand-alone episodes packed with essential writing tips, from plotting and character development to mastering the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, WriterSpark Podcast is here to ignite your creativity and elevate your writing journey.
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Publishing Since
9/20/2022
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Recent Episodes
August 3, 2024
How to Build a Killer Writing Routine
<p>Episode 50</p> <p> </p> <p>Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of building a killer writing routine that promotes consistency and productivity. Whether you're struggling to find time to write or looking for ways to stay motivated, this episode will give you practical strategies and tools to help you succeed.</p> <p>We'll discuss effective time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking, and explore some of the best tools and apps to support your writing habits. </p> Show Notes: <p>Key Topics Covered:</p> <ol><li> <p>Importance of a Writing Routine:</p> <ul><li>Why having a routine is crucial for writers</li> <li>How a routine helps you stay focused and reduce procrastination</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Time Management Strategies:</p> <ul><li>The Pomodoro Technique: Writing in focused bursts with breaks</li> <li>Time blocking: Setting aside specific times for writing</li> <li>Communicating your schedule to minimize interruptions</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Tools and Apps to Support Writing Habits:</p> <ul><li>Scrivener: Organizing your manuscript, research, and notes</li> <li>Evernote: Jotting down ideas and organizing research</li> <li>Trello and Notion: Goal setting and tracking progress</li> <li><a href='https://www.focusatwill.com/'>Focus@Will </a>& <a href='https://www.brain.fm/'>Brain FM</a>: Background music designed to improve concentration</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Real-Life Examples and Tips:</p> <ul><li>Setting small, achievable goals</li> <li>Writing at the same time every day</li> <li>Creating a dedicated writing space</li> <li>Celebrating your progress</li> </ul> </li> </ol><p>Books Mentioned and/or Recommended:</p> <ul><li><a href='https://amzn.to/3AbKiNb'>Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez</a></li> <li><a href='https://amzn.to/3ypcoUx'>An Everyday Guide to Scrivener 3 for Mac by Mary Crawford</a></li> <li><a href='https://amzn.to/4foTGgB'>Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen</a></li> <li><a href='https://amzn.to/4duKdT6'>Living the Vida Lola</a></li> <li><a href='https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark'>Facebook</a></li> <li><a href='https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview'>Scrivener</a>, <a href='https://evernote.com/'>Evernote</a>, <a href='https://trello.com/'>Trello</a>, <a href='https://www.notion.so/'>Notion</a></li> </ul> Remember to: <ol><li>Subscribe to The WriterSpark Podcast: Don't miss out on future episodes packed with tips and inspiration for your writing journey. Subscribe now on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writerspark-business-creativity-and-the-craft-of-writing/id1646125753'>Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href='https://open.spotify.com/show/59kcpTXZiebx7m1hDTcTN4'>Spotify</a>, <a href='https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-gjne9-12cc9e4'>Podbean</a>, or your favorite podcast platform.</li> <li>Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our <a href='https://www.facebook.com/TheWriterSpark'>Facebook Group</a>.</li> <li>Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more writers like you.</li> <li>Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest episodes, writing tips, and more by following us on <a href='https://twitter.com/thewriterspark'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://instagram.com/writer_spark'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://facebook.com/writersparkpodcast'>Facebook, </a> and <a href='https://www.pinterest.com/writersparkacademy/'>Pinterest</a>.</li> </ol><p>Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!</p>
July 23, 2024
Using Setting as a Character in Fiction Writing
<p class="p1">Episode 49</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my <a href='https://marjoriemccown.com/'>special guest Marjorie McCown</a>, author of the Hollywood Mystery series, who expertly uses the Hollywood movie set and Los Angeles as 'characters' in her books.</p> <p class="p1">In this episode, Marjorie and I explore how a well-crafted setting can amplify elements of your story, adding depth and dimension that brings your narrative to life. Discover how to create settings that resonate with readers and become integral to your plot and characters.</p> <p class="p1">Tune in to learn:</p> <ul class="ul1"><li class="li1">The role of setting in enhancing the mood and tone of your story.</li> <li class="li1">How setting can reflect and influence your characters' journeys.</li> <li class="li1">Tips for weaving setting seamlessly into your narrative.</li> </ul> <p class="p1">Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, this episode shares insights that will inspire you to rethink how you use setting in your fiction. </p> <p class="p1">Subscribe to The WritersSpark Podcast!</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:</p> <p class="p1">Visit <a href='https://marjoriemccown.com/'>Marjorie McCown's Website</a> (<a href='https://marjoriemccown.com/'>https://marjoriemccown.com/</a>)</p> <p class="p1">Buy <a href='https://amzn.to/3WxFIS4'>Final Cut and Star Struck</a>, books 1 & 2 in The Hollywood Mysteries (<a href='https://amzn.to/3WxFIS4'>https://amzn.to/3WxFIS4</a>)</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://amzn.to/3WAex96'>The Lola Cruz Mystery Series</a> (<a href='https://amzn.to/3WAex96'>https://amzn.to/3WAex96</a>)</p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://amzn.to/4dbjSJn'>The Bread Shop Mystery Series</a> (<a href='https://amzn.to/4dbjSJn'>https://amzn.to/4dbjSJn</a>)</p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://amzn.to/46gjuae'>The Book Magic Novels</a> (<a href='https://amzn.to/46gjuae'>https://amzn.to/46gjuae</a>)</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://amzn.to/3y6rn5J'>Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell</a> (<a href='https://amzn.to/3y6rn5J'>https://amzn.to/3y6rn5J</a>)</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/how-and-why-weather-can-be-an-important-part-of-fiction-writing/'>Podcast with Katherine Ramsland </a>on using Weather as an element in your fiction (<a href='https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/how-and-why-weather-can-be-an-important-part-of-fiction-writing/'>https://writersparkacademy.podbean.com/e/how-and-why-weather-can-be-an-important-part-of-fiction-writing/</a>)</p> <p class="p1">Additional Links:</p> <p class="p1">* Visit WriterSpark Academy: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2txWTh6alczMEtYeHMtSVVNbjY2LV9IUWt2UXxBQ3Jtc0ttNF9KOFZFSDNRQ2x2MlI3TnFGdVE5bVBiaXdYNXdzeTk4NGtPYWFiRTRVbnNSZm5kai1fcno3R0l6dW5ZTEZWYW9tcnowOWFlRk5PLVV6dE9CdDJ4ZThwNko5dEU4cXVBd2hXanhpWjdQQmhKMkVTUQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.writersparkacademy.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>http://www.writersparkacademy.com</a></p> <p class="p1">* WriterSpark Book Cover Design: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWRFeW9tR3dPbjg0T0pJQ19HbW9Td0EyZ1JmQXxBQ3Jtc0trbjN5N0JwM01aN2tkLTY3bTVKNjc5MVNZdm5OTUJLSGMwVUhKR0tycmtfM3FvR29mYlhCSzVvc3JoSFJoWkpYNzRWa3pZN1lrSnNpSFVIZDZOZnc0ekJxcDNTWWoxSzRBTmxPM2sta2FMQV9QcktCNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkbookcovers.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkbookcovers.com/</a></p> <p class="p1">* Learn about WriterSpark Course: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1dsdjJjR09od0ZsbFJoRmMyVUhjSEYwZnEwQXxBQ3Jtc0ttbElxUFRGaGtqTGxsOXpKc3VEdE5TOHJ2cDl0cDJKWmVULXl0aXZ5bTd2enVVVFg0RFZkVEN0S1Atbmw0YllJYml4OERvUmJDS2RPdi1HZUNlZzl1OTRyaWtxVEhCenVkWEtWMUs5QXcxQnI2RnFxWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com</a></p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">✨<a href='https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/'> Self-Paced Writing Courses</a>:</p> <p class="p1">https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/'>SIGN UP: </a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXhaSWdDUUdxN1o0enFzMmxOVFhWRDFnSVFKQXxBQ3Jtc0traUtQSUxFV2tLTHRndGJWYmY1dWZKbmdjQ0NzVFM0WlVYelFvOGZEdGx3OTJKZldVWllpZVVuZFZZM2pkNm1kVG4xV0dRcTNlWHJhdUFycUVUMjN4cFQzaHVDWV95dzNhOEsyc3Vpb3lBS3JpNUY5dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkacademy.com%2Fnewslettersignup%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/</a> </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast! </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Learn more about the host, Melissa</p> <p class="p1">Bourbon: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VLSk9zb0N5YXF1Y1FZTm83M0JaMXZkd2FGUXxBQ3Jtc0tuNDExTjVSVGp2NllZSFFFcmxNSHdXSThHRkJnZjVySXFzTGZ2dFZxMUhsdE9jc1FvNnFvSnVsaEZaTndrMWVQaDRPdFBVUnpLdTZweVVhQWhNMVRKWUlldjc3Tmd5eHVFcnlXVFNQaHRvQUEzSXpHQQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fmelissabourbon.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>http://melissabourbon.com</a> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">#FictionWriting #WritingTips #Podcast #MelissaBourbon #MarjorieMcCown #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #CreativeWriting</p> <p class="p2"> </p>
July 11, 2024
From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime and Fiction Writing
<p>Episode 48</p> <p> </p> <p>Have you ever thought about the parallels between writing True Crime and Fiction Writing? That is what this episode is all about. I had the opportunity to talk with investigative journalist and true crime writer Doug Kari to explore the similarities in writing these two genres and dig into his investigative process as he researched and wrote The Berman Murders.</p> <p> </p> <p>Doug’s meticulous research and storytelling techniques bring his true crime story to life. It also mirrors the narrative drive and character development in fiction.</p> <p> </p> <p>Whether you’re a fiction writer or a true crime enthusiast, this episode offers unique insights into the art of weaving fact into compelling narratives. Tune in to explore how the worlds of true crime and fiction converge, and gain valuable tips to enhance your own writing journey.</p> <p> </p> <p class="p1">Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this Episode:</p> <p class="p1">Visit <a href='https://www.dougkari.com/author/doug-kari/'>Doug Kari's website</a>: https://www.dougkari.com/author/doug-kari/</p> <p class="p1">Buy <a href='https://amzn.to/3XYVW7Z'>The Berman Murders</a>: https://amzn.to/3XYVW7Z</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Eryk Pruitt's <a href='https://amzn.to/3VXDAS5'>Something Bad Wrong</a>: <a href='https://amzn.to/3VXDAS5'>https://amzn.to/3VXDAS5</a></p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://longdance.libsyn.com/'>The Long Dance Podcast: https://longdance.libsyn.com/</a></p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://amzn.to/4cXq5IV'>The Legend Books</a>: https://amzn.to/4cXq5IV</p> <p class="p2"> <a href='https://writersparkacademy.com/copywriting-and-content-creation/freelance-editing-packages/'>Editing Services</a>: https://writersparkacademy.com/copywriting-and-content-creation/freelance-editing-packages/</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Additional Links:</p> <p class="p1">* Visit WriterSpark Academy: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2txWTh6alczMEtYeHMtSVVNbjY2LV9IUWt2UXxBQ3Jtc0ttNF9KOFZFSDNRQ2x2MlI3TnFGdVE5bVBiaXdYNXdzeTk4NGtPYWFiRTRVbnNSZm5kai1fcno3R0l6dW5ZTEZWYW9tcnowOWFlRk5PLVV6dE9CdDJ4ZThwNko5dEU4cXVBd2hXanhpWjdQQmhKMkVTUQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.writersparkacademy.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>http://www.writersparkacademy.com</a></p> <p class="p1">* WriterSpark Book Cover Design: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWRFeW9tR3dPbjg0T0pJQ19HbW9Td0EyZ1JmQXxBQ3Jtc0trbjN5N0JwM01aN2tkLTY3bTVKNjc5MVNZdm5OTUJLSGMwVUhKR0tycmtfM3FvR29mYlhCSzVvc3JoSFJoWkpYNzRWa3pZN1lrSnNpSFVIZDZOZnc0ekJxcDNTWWoxSzRBTmxPM2sta2FMQV9QcktCNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkbookcovers.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkbookcovers.com/</a></p> <p class="p1">* Learn about WriterSpark Course: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1dsdjJjR09od0ZsbFJoRmMyVUhjSEYwZnEwQXxBQ3Jtc0ttbElxUFRGaGtqTGxsOXpKc3VEdE5TOHJ2cDl0cDJKWmVULXl0aXZ5bTd2enVVVFg0RFZkVEN0S1Atbmw0YllJYml4OERvUmJDS2RPdi1HZUNlZzl1OTRyaWtxVEhCenVkWEtWMUs5QXcxQnI2RnFxWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com</a></p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">✨<a href='https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/'> Self-Paced Writing Courses</a>:</p> <p class="p1">https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1">✨ Get updates on business, creativity, and the craft of writing by following this podcast and subscribing to the WriterSpark newsletter </p> <p class="p1"><a href='https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/'>SIGN UP: </a><a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXhaSWdDUUdxN1o0enFzMmxOVFhWRDFnSVFKQXxBQ3Jtc0traUtQSUxFV2tLTHRndGJWYmY1dWZKbmdjQ0NzVFM0WlVYelFvOGZEdGx3OTJKZldVWllpZVVuZFZZM2pkNm1kVG4xV0dRcTNlWHJhdUFycUVUMjN4cFQzaHVDWV95dzNhOEsyc3Vpb3lBS3JpNUY5dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwritersparkacademy.com%2Fnewslettersignup%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>https://writersparkacademy.com/https://writersparkacademy.com/newsletter-signup/</a> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Thanks for tuning in to The WriterSpark Podcast! </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">Learn more about the host, Melissa</p> <p class="p1">Bourbon: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2VLSk9zb0N5YXF1Y1FZTm83M0JaMXZkd2FGUXxBQ3Jtc0tuNDExTjVSVGp2NllZSFFFcmxNSHdXSThHRkJnZjVySXFzTGZ2dFZxMUhsdE9jc1FvNnFvSnVsaEZaTndrMWVQaDRPdFBVUnpLdTZweVVhQWhNMVRKWUlldjc3Tmd5eHVFcnlXVFNQaHRvQUEzSXpHQQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fmelissabourbon.com%2F&v=HoE0_1E76j4'>http://melissabourbon.com</a> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1">✨ Share the love! Forward this podcast to your writer friends. ✨ </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
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