S1E04: CRAFTING ENDURING CONNECTIONS: THE SLOW AND STEADY STRATEGY FOR BUILDING AN AUDIENCE

S1E06: TACKLING PROCRASTINATION WITH TIME MANAGEMENT

Explore effective time management, tackle procrastination, and create a balanced writing routine. Dive into practical tips, psychological strategies, and personal insights to boost productivity and nurture your creative journey. Ideal for authors at any stage, this blog post is your roadmap to navigating the complexities of the writing and publishing world. Full episode transcript available on wordmakers.org/podcast/tackling-writers-block

S1E05: SETTLING THE DEBATE ABOUT HEAs

Join me in the latest episode as I dive deep into the heart of romance, tackling the ever-persistent HEA (Happily Ever After) debate from my vantage point as a seasoned romance editor and author. With a wealth of experience under my belt, I'm on a mission to shed new light on this topic, perhaps not ending the debate for good, but certainly enriching it with some well-earned insights. I'll examine why love stories and their HEAs hold such a pivotal place in romance, unraveling how they meet deep psychological needs and mirror societal norms. I invite you to explore with me the intricacies of romance genre conventions, reader expectations, and the exciting ways in which contemporary trends and diverse voices are reshaping our cherished romance landscape. Get ready to delve into the true essence of HEAs, seeing them not just as endpoints of narrative satisfaction but as powerful beacons of universal hope and joy in storytelling. Full transcript can be found on wordmakers.org/podcast

S1E04: CRAFTING ENDURING CONNECTIONS: THE SLOW AND STEADY STRATEGY FOR BUILDING AN AUDIENCE

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the heart of slow creativity and building a sustainable writing career. Full transcript/article available at wordmakers.org/podcast/crafting-enduring-connections In this episode: * Recap of #20kin5Days Challenge: Our host shares their experience with the recent Wordmakers Community event, highlighting the unexpected journey of juggling multiple projects and surpassing writing goals. * Genre Shift Journey: Discover the transition from writing contemporary romance to exploring horror romance, and the challenges and insights gained along the way. * Sustainable Success Strategies: We delve into practical strategies for achieving long-term success in the writing world, moving beyond the hustle culture to embrace a balanced and fulfilling career path. * The Slow Movement Philosophy: Learn how the principles of the Slow Movement, which emphasize quality, mindfulness, and connection, can be applied to the writing process, creating a more intentional and satisfying career. * Organic Growth Importance: Understand the value of building your audience gradually through genuine engagement, and how this approach forms a solid foundation for a successful writing career. * Consistency in Writing: Explore how maintaining a regular and predictable writing and publishing schedule can enhance your relationship with readers and contribute to your career's longevity. * Navigating the Slow and Steady Growth Path: Insights into balancing consistent output with personal well-being, avoiding burnout, and fostering a loyal readership. * Marketing and Promotion with StoryBrand: Introduction to the SB7 framework by Donald Miller and how it can be tailored to connect deeply with your ideal readers in the romance genre. * Practical Tips and Personal Experiences: Our host shares their approach to planning, engaging with readers, and the lessons learned from embracing the slow creativity movement.

S1EP03: FINDING & DEFINING YOUR AUTHOR IDENTITY

Welcome to "Making Words," the podcast where creativity meets practicality in the art of writing. Hosted by Tasha L. Harrison, this episode dives into the heart of writing, exploring not just the act of creating words but the journey of nurturing a unique voice and style amidst the challenges of the modern world. Whether you're a seasoned author or just beginning to weave your narrative threads, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a community to support you from the first word to the last period. Full Transcript available at wordmakers.org. [https://wordmakers.org/podcast/finding-and-your-writing-identity] In This Episode: - The Struggles of Creatives: Amidst a backdrop of global unrest, economic struggles, and the looming shadow of AI, Tasha shares her reflections on the pressures facing authors and artists today. From the resurgence of hustle culture to the impact on creativity and original storytelling, this segment offers a candid look at the obstacles to authentic expression in today's fast-paced world. - Exploring Your Unique Voice and Style: Delve into the importance of developing a distinctive voice and style in your writing. This exploration is crucial for standing out in a saturated market and connecting deeply with your readers. Tasha discusses how the pressure to produce quickly can hinder the growth of your creative identity and the richness of your narrative. - Sustainable Success in Writing: Learn about the strategies for building a lasting career that balances productivity with personal well-being. Tasha emphasizes the value of authenticity, continuous learning, and direct engagement with your audience over the quick wins of hustle culture. This segment is about finding joy in the process and laying the foundations for long-term achievement. - Exercises for Self-Discovery: Tasha shares practical exercises to help writers delve into their creative identities and hone their unique voices. From journaling for self-reflection to experimenting with different writing styles, these activities are designed to inspire introspection and bold experimentation in your writing journey. Grab Finding Your Author Identity to get started! [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CRhImmxL_P_fU1LwbP4zYVS4eUH9sKpbTML3PF61bR0/edit?usp=sharing] Key Takeaways: - Developing a unique voice and style is essential for standing out in a crowded market and forging deep connections with readers. - Sustainable success in writing requires a focus on authenticity, well-being, and continuous engagement with your audience and craft. - Self-discovery exercises can empower writers to explore and define their writing identities, leading to more authentic and impactful storytelling. #20kin5Days begins on March 13th! [https://wordmakers.org/20kin5days] Ready to dive into the challenge and embrace your unique path in writing? Visit Wordmakers.org to sign up for the #20kin5Days Writing Challenge and become part of a community that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the writer's journey. Next week, we're taking a closer look at "Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Success." Stay tuned, and let's keep making words, you writing ass writer! Thank You for Listening!

S1EP02: EMBRACING THE WORDMAKER MINDSET

This episode offers vital insights for any writer struggling with burnout or searching for ways to invigorate their writing practice with actionable guidance. Tune in for a dose of motivation and practical advice to energize your writing journey. Full transcript available at wordmakers.org/podcast/s1ep02-embracing-the-wordmaker-mindset [wordmakers.org/podcast/s1ep02-embracing-the-wordmaker-mindset] Here's a breakdown of what's covered: Introduction to Mindset Shifts: The episode begins with a discussion on the importance of mindset in overcoming the hurdles and challenges faced in a writing career, focusing on transforming negative thought patterns into positive outcomes. A Personal Journey: I share a candid look into their personal story, from leaving a career in healthcare to embrace writing full-time to the unforeseen challenges posed by the pandemic and how these experiences have shaped their approach to writing and productivity. Defining Burnout: An in-depth definition of burnout, its symptoms, and how it differs from stress, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of this state of exhaustion The Road to Recovery: Insights into my journey towards recovery, including a pivotal mindset shift towards planning and productivity, sparked by reflections in their journals and constructive feedback from friends. Introducing the Wordmaker Mindset: The creation of the Wordmaker Mindset, developed to foster a holistic approach to writing, planning, and community engagement, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling writing practice. Navigating the Phases of Novel Creation: An exploration of the Foundation, Creative, and Publishing phases within the Wordmaker Mindset, providing strategies for each stage to support writers in their creative endeavors. Actionable Steps and Resources: Practical advice for listeners on how to incorporate the Wordmaker Mindset into their writing processes, including goal setting, community engagement, and self-care practices. Wordmakers Writing Community Highlight: An invitation to the Wordmakers Writing Community, particularly for the #20kin5Days writing challenge, detailing the support and resources available to participants.