Writing Momentum

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena tackle one of the top questions they receive: How do I get people to buy my book? Chris and Gena discuss the importance of doing this early, even before you publish it. The topics include getting your newsletter audience invested, using social media and grassroots efforts to create buzz, and introducing yourself to others through various media outlets. Gena also shares a ton of “freebie” practical tips that will help you get ahead. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, these strategies will help you build relationships and generate excitement for your upcoming book.00:00 Introduction: Marketing Your Book Before It's Published00:50 The Importance of Pre-Publication Marketing04:03 Building Your Newsletter Audience08:36 Engaging Your Audience Through Social Media10:22 Networking and Media Outreach13:59 Conclusion and Final TipsLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode, we explore a pivotal shift in approaching editors, coaches, and critiquers for writing feedback. Instead of asking, 'What do you think?' transform your question to 'How can I make this better?' This subtle change encourages constructive criticism and positions both you and your editor in a mindset for improvement. Join us as we dive into the practical implications and benefits of this question, drawing from personal experiences and insights from experienced writers and editors. Don't miss out on tips to enhance your writing and get the most out of your feedback sessions. 00:00 The One Question to Ask Your Editor 00:20 A Personal Shift in Writing Approach 01:56 Changing the Feedback Question 03:36 Real-Life Application of the New Question 05:37 The Impact of Asking 'How Can I Make This Better?' 08:21 Continuous Learning in Writing 11:09 Join Our Writing Community 11:58 Conclusion and Call to ActionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

Join Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli in their latest Writing Momentum podcast episode featuring award-winning author Henry McLaughlin. Known for his acclaimed Riverbend series, Henry delves into the importance of manuscript critiques, offering valuable advice on giving and receiving feedback, and best practices for submitting your work. This episode is packed with insights on refining writing, the supportive nature of writing groups, handling critiques, and the benefits of community feedback. Perfect for writers aiming to polish their craft and navigate the world of self-publishing. 00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:19 Introducing Henry McLaughlin: Our Resident Critiquer 01:32 The Value of Critiques in Writing 03:55 What Not to Do When Submitting for Critiques 07:39 The Importance of Submitting Your Best Work 09:00 The Value of Group Critiques 10:03 Writing as a Community Effort 11:33 Final Thoughts on Critiques 15:26 Join Our Writing CommunityLINKS:Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://henrym--writingmomentum.thrivecart.com/membership/Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.com

Christopher and Gena Maselli are joined by award-winning author Henry McLaughlin, known for his Riverbend series and 'Emily's Trials'. Together, they tackle the importance of first page critiques, essential tips for preparing and receiving manuscript feedback, and how to make your writing stand out from the very beginning. Gena, emphasizes the significance of engaging readers from the start, while Henry shares key strategies for captivating openings. The episode also introduces personal critique services by Henry for Writing Momentum members. Join us to enhance your manuscript with professional insights and take your writing to the next level. 00:00 Welcome to Writing Momentum 00:16 Introducing Henry McLaughlin 01:45 The Importance of the First Page 05:51 Adapting to Modern Readers 08:04 The Value of Critiques 11:21 The Importance of Following Submission Guidelines 12:16 Anonymous Submissions for Fair Critiques 13:02 Group Critiques: Learning from Others 14:42 The Value of Open-Mindedness in Receiving Feedback 17:34 Editing Before Submitting: A Crucial Step 19:02 Depersonalizing Critiques: Focus on the Story 20:42 The Power of Gratitude in Receiving Critiques 22:25 Join the Writing Momentum MembershipLINKS:Get your work critiqued! Join our writing membership at https://www.writingmomentum.com/membershipLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.com

Welcome to Writing Momentum with Christopher and Gena Maselli! In this episode, we explore the process of finding your unique voice as an author. Discover what it means to develop your writing style, why authenticity matters, and how it helps build trust with your audience. Chris and Gena share their favorite authors and how their distinct styles have influenced their own writing. Learn practical tips on experimenting with different techniques and the importance of reading often to refine your voice. Tune in to unlock the key steps to discovering and embracing your authentic writing style. Don't forget to share this episode with fellow writers! 00:00 Introduction to Finding Your Voice 00:29 Understanding Your Unique Voice 2:57 The Importance of Authenticity 04:04 Examples of Distinct Writing Styles 0:04 Practical Tips for Finding Your Voice 15:35 Conclusion and EncouragementLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

Hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli discuss the importance of not overlooking the 'small stuff' in writing. They explore how these minor tasks, from honing one’s craft to understanding publishing strategies and building an author brand, contribute significantly towards achieving long-term writing success. Christopher shares his recent experience of bouncing back from illness, emphasizing self-care. The hosts also delve into strategies for dialogue writing, understanding genres, managing copyright, and forming valuable writer connections. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of joining their Writing Momentum membership for ongoing support and community. 00:00 Introduction: Does the Small Stuff in Writing Matter? 02:40 The Importance of Craft in Writing 08:38 Building Your Author Brand 12:03 Understanding Publishing Strategies 16:11 The Power of Connections in Writing 18:06 Join the Writing Momentum Community 19:45 Conclusion and Call to ActionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli delve into the essential topic of finding your 'why' as a writer. They discuss the significance of understanding your motivation for writing, whether it's to share knowledge, offer hope, or explore themes dear to you. The duo explains how knowing your why can boost creativity, productivity, and help you push through writer's block. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to keep your why front and center, from using sticky notes to setting daily phone alarms. Perfect for writers of all genres, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to deepen their connection to their writing projects. 00:00 Introduction to the Writing Momentum Podcast 00:10 Understanding Your Why as a Writer 01:18 The Importance of Knowing Your Why 03:55 Personal Stories and Examples 06:48 Finding Your Why in Fiction Writing 10:50 Practical Tips for Staying Motivated 11:38 Homework and Final Thoughts 13:33 Conclusion and FarewellLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode, we delve into the importance of understanding your book's genre. Discover how identifying your genre can help you write more effectively and market your book successfully. Learn about the different genres for both fiction and non-fiction, and explore how sub-genres can add unique flavors to your writing. We also share valuable resources like '20 Master Plots' by Ronald Tobias and provide actionable tips to ensure your book meets reader expectations. Join us and gain the momentum to propel your writing journey forward! 00:00 Introduction to Writing Momentum 00:41 Understanding Genre: What Is It? 03:31 Genres in Fiction and Non-Fiction 04:45 Identifying Your Book's Genre 07:23 Genre Conventions and Writing Tips 12:47 Resources and Final Thoughts 15:19 Conclusion and Community EngagementLINKS:20 Master Plots by Ronald TobiasLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, award-winning author Laurel Thomas joins the hosts to discuss the internal and hidden lives of characters in fiction writing. With insights from her experience as a writer and instructor, Laurel emphasizes the importance of understanding characters' goals, motivations, and hidden fears. The conversation delves into how these elements can be effectively incorporated to make characters more relatable and engaging. Drawing examples from 'The Hunger Games' and other notable works, Laurel provides valuable tips for writers looking to craft deeper and more nuanced characters. Additionally, the hosts highlight the benefits of joining the Writing Momentum membership, which offers extensive resources, live roundtables, and a supportive community for writers of all levels. 00:00 Introduction to Character's Internal Life 00:36 Meet Laurel Thomas: Award-Winning Author 01:09 Exploring Fiction Roundtables 02:12 Diving into Characterization 04:26 Understanding External, Internal, and Hidden Layers 06:28 Crafting Complex Characters 08:18 The Power of Hidden Motivators 12:54 Writing Antiheroes and Unreliable Narrators 14:22 Join the Writing Momentum Community 16:24 Final Thoughts and InvitationLinksLaurel's Amazon Author's Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHRT3R42 Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at https://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.com Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://writewithlaurel--writingmomentum.thrivecart.com/membership

In this episode, Chris and Gena welcome award-winning author Laurel Thomas to discuss the concept of Writer's Fiction Roundtables. Laurel shares her journey from nonfiction to fiction writing, highlights from her novels, and her approach to developing compelling characters and themes. They delve into the structure and purpose of her roundtables, emphasizing their inclusivity and the benefits for both new and experienced writers. The episode also details how these roundtables fit into the Writing Momentum membership program, which supports writers with live events, recorded videos, and discussions. 00:00 Introduction to the Writer's Fiction Roundtable 00:38 Laurel Thomas: From Nonfiction to Fiction 02:24 Crafting Compelling Characters and Themes 04:24 The Art of World-Building in Fantasy 07:29 Introducing the Writing Momentum Membership 08:33 What is a Writer's Roundtable? 10:07 Creating Safe Spaces for Writers 12:11 Deep Dive into Characterization 16:47 Inclusivity in Writer's Roundtables 20:27 Nonfiction Writers and Storytelling Techniques 22:51 Join the Writing Momentum Membership 23:33 Conclusion: Writing Together for MomentumLINKS:Laurel's Amazon Author's Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHRT3R42 Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://writewithlaurel--writingmomentum.thrivecart.com/membership/

Join Christopher and Gena Maselli in this special episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast as they give you an exclusive sneak preview of the upcoming 2024 Children’s Book Mastery Summit. Discover what this five-day free online event, hosted by Karin Ferreira, has to offer – with 25 sessions featuring top authors, illustrators, and industry experts. Learn invaluable insights into the craft, publishing, marketing, and business of children's books. Don't miss out on tips for using AI in writing, mastering 'Show, Don't Tell,' and much more! Mark your calendars for July 22nd to 26th and find out how to get your free ticket and playbook today. Together, we have writing momentum! 00:00 Introduction to the 2024 Children's Book Mastery Summit 00:35 Overview of the Summit and Its Benefits 01:34 Details on Summit Sessions and Speakers 03:50 Special Features and Premium Packages 04:43 Spotlight on Karin Ferreira and Her Contributions 06:49 Deep Dive into Summit Sessions 17:50 Final Thoughts and How to Join the Summit 27:38 Conclusion and FarewellLINKS:Register today at https://wmdeal.com/2024cbmLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli discuss the best ways writers can invest in their careers. They emphasize the importance of investing time, energy, and money into quality training, coaching, and writing groups. They also highlight the limitations of relying solely on free online resources and the value of paid, structured learning programs. The Masellis share their personal experiences and encourage listeners to find ways to invest in their writing, whether through local writers' groups, conferences, or online courses. 00:00 Introduction 00:16 The Value of Investing in Your Writing Career 01:08 The Pitfalls of Free Online Resources 04:02 The Importance of Quality Training and Mentorship 11:14 Practical Ways to Invest in Your Writing 20:52 Encouragement and Final ThoughtsLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of building an audience for your writing before your book is even published. Learn practical tips on how to connect with potential readers, identify your target audience, and engage with them through social media and online communities. Discover why having a few loyal followers is more valuable than a large number of disengaged ones. Whether you're a new author or an experienced writer, tune in to understand why building a solid foundation now can lead to greater success when your book hits the shelves. Don't forget to subscribe, ring the bell, and give us a thumbs up for more writing and marketing insights! 00:00 Introduction to Building Your Writing Audience 00:39 Why You Need an Audience Before Your Book is Published 02:09 The Myth of Needing a Huge Following04:09 Identifying Your True Audience 06:44 Finding and Engaging with Your Audience 10:15 The Importance of Starting Early 12:15 Conclusion and Call to ActionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli discuss the importance of finding and creating safe spaces for writers. They share personal experiences and tips for recognizing safe environments that foster growth, creativity, and supportive feedback in one's writing journey. Join them as they explore key elements of a safe space, signs of an unsafe space, and introduce Writing Momentum's own community as a hub for aspiring and seasoned writers. Tune in for valuable insights and discover how a supportive environment can significantly impact your writing progress.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:23 The Great Beard Debate01:32 Importance of Safe Spaces for Writers02:54 What to Expect from a Safe Space07:55 Signs You're Not in a Safe Space11:14 Join Our Writing Community13:08 Conclusion and Call to ActionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

In this solo episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, host Christopher Maselli discusses seven valuable bonuses that authors often overlook but should consider including in their books. These bonuses, which range from photos and graphics to pull quotes and real interactions, can significantly enhance the reader's experience and add value to the book. Christopher also highlights the importance of reflection questions and takeaways, especially for nonfiction works. Additionally, he introduces the Writing Momentum membership, offering extensive training and co-writing sessions to help authors stay focused and productive. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 00:43 Exciting News: Writing Momentum Membership Launch 02:45 Seven Essential Book Bonuses Authors Often Miss 03:45 Bonus 1: Adding Photo Pages 05:01 Bonus 2: Enhancing with Graphics 06:51 Bonus 3: Utilizing Pull Quotes 08:04 Bonus 4: Sharing Insights 10:24 Bonus 5: Creating Real Interactions 12:51 Bonus 6: Including Reflection Questions 14:08 Bonus 7: Summarizing with Takeaways 15:19 Conclusion and Community InvitationLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Join the Writing Momentum podcast with hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli as they discuss the importance of consistency and accountability in achieving writing goals. Discover how writing a little each day can lead to significant progress and learn about the powerful impact of having an accountability partner. They share intriguing statistics from the American Society of Training and Development, highlighting that sharing your writing goals with someone increases your chances of success to 65%, and having an accountability partner can boost it to 95%. Tune in to gain insights on how to finish your book and meet your writing goals by joining a supportive writing community, either locally or online. 00:00 Introduction to Writing Momentum 00:41 The Power of Consistency 02:13 The Impact of Accountability 06:36 Finding Your Writing Buddy 08:48 Co-Writing and Online Accountability 12:54 Conclusion and Next StepsLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Join hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli of Writing Momentum as they kick off a new series dedicated to helping writers grow in their craft. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of continual learning in writing, highlighting techniques for improving quality through structured education. Discover how understanding story structure, keeping up with standards, and seeking continual professional development can give your writing the momentum it needs.00:00 Introduction to Writing Momentum01:14 The Importance of Continual Learning02:48 Understanding Story Structure06:30 Practical Tips for Writing Articles09:59 Resources for Continued Learning13:32 Conclusion and EncouragementLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Chris and Gena discuss the best time to seek feedback on your manuscript. They address a common pitfall writers face by sharing an email from a listener who received conflicting advice on their first draft. The episode emphasizes the importance of completing your manuscript before seeking critique and explores how different writing and critiquing styles can affect feedback. The hosts offer practical tips on how to choose the right person for feedback and encourage listeners to finish their first draft to avoid creative paralysis. Tune in for valuable insights to keep your writing momentum going!00:00 Introduction: Who Should Give Feedback on Your Manuscript?00:49 Reading the Listener's Email01:51 The Importance of Finishing Your First Draft03:17 When to Share Your Manuscript06:53 Choosing the Right Critique Partner09:40 Chris's Personal Experience with Feedback11:08 Conclusion and EncouragementLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli delve into the topic of perfectionism among writers. They share personal anecdotes and struggles with perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of pushing through the writing process despite the desire for everything to be perfect. The episode covers various aspects of perfectionism, such as the challenges in starting or finishing a project, the pitfalls of waiting for 'perfect' conditions, and practical tips for moving forward. They discuss tactics like time blocking, setting realistic writing goals, and allowing for flexibility in planning and execution. The goal of the episode is to help writers redefine perfectionism from getting it 'right' to getting it 'done' and to encourage them to maintain momentum in their writing projects by providing strategies to overcome perfectionism.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast!00:13 Tackling Perfectionism: Personal Struggles and Insights02:24 Types of Perfectionism and Strategies for Authors06:32 Navigating Perfectionism in the Writing Process10:26 Time Management and Overcoming Procrastination12:24 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Direction15:05 Redefining Perfectionism for Success16:21 Join Our Writing Community and Wrap-UpLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli explore the common question of whether a formal degree is necessary to become a successful writer. They discuss their personal experiences with formal education in writing, highlighting the pros and cons of pursuing a writing degree versus self-education through resources like writers' conferences and continual learning. They emphasize the importance of continuous education in writing, publishing, and marketing, regardless of one's educational background. The episode provides insight into the writing industry standards, the publishing process, and the critical role of marketing in a writer's career. Through their discussion, they reassure listeners that while formal education can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for success in writing, encouraging writers to focus on continuous learning and improvement.00:00 Introduction to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:15 The Big Question: Do You Need a Degree to Write?01:55 Personal Experiences and Insights on Formal Education04:37 The Continuous Journey of Learning in Writing07:22 Understanding Publishing, Marketing, and Industry Standards13:13 The Importance of Continuous Self-Education16:10 Conclusion: Your Path to Writing SuccessLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com