Writing usually starts at an early age. That is when you start school. But what about those youngsters who decide they want to take writing seriously. They amaze me with their open mindness and ability to create wonderful stories. Listen why?
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Thursday 9 September 2021
P065 TIPS FOR WRITING A BOOK
You want to be a writer? Listen to this podcast for some useful tips on how to start and go about creating your first manuscript regardless of what genre or theme you want to write about. All authors have to start somewhere - well this podcast tells you how.
Saturday 4 September 2021
B046 GETTING THE DIALOGUE RIGHT
Remember, words are our game. They are important to us and we should use them wisely. You are the wordsmith of your tale and need to get your dialogue right, as well as making sure every word counts without being over excessive in their use.
Monday 30 August 2021
P064 CONFLICT IN LITERATURE
Whenever you are writing fiction in any genre you need to attract, enthrall and keep your readers stuck to their seats; much like watching a great movie. To achieve this end we writers have to introduce conflict into our literature. Here's how.
Wednesday 25 August 2021
B045 WORKING WITH A MENTOR
We all, at some time in our lives, need help with a problem. And the easiest and most effective way to get that help and to learn new things, is to be guided by a person with experience. Working with a Mentor can help you to diversify your skills, build networks and even achieve career growth.
Friday 20 August 2021
P063 OPTING FOR A SELF-PUBLISHING IMPRINT
Deciding whether to opt for an imprint as an Indie is one of the most important and earliest decisions you need to make when self-publishing. In this podcast we offer good reasons why you should have an imprint and how to get one to suit you.
Sunday 15 August 2021
B044 HOW TO ENGAGE READERS
Getting readers is sometimes difficult. Here are a couple of tips on how you can engage readers through your social media and blog posts.
Monday 9 August 2021
I006 IN CONVERSATION WITH... PAULINE CLARKE
We all at sometime or another will have had those moments of self doubt, feelings of depression, and dare I say it, even cases of poor mental health with authors falling in the top 10 of sufferers of depression. Today I welcome lovely Irish lass Pauline Clarke who is a mental health advocate and promoter of Mindfulness - something we can all practice. Learn more.
Thursday 5 August 2021
P062 UPLOADING BOOK METADATA
When Indie Publishing one of the most important elements of the procedure is to ensure that you get your metadata correct. But what is metadata and what function does it play in the promotion of your book.
Sunday 1 August 2021
B043 GETTING A GREAT PRESS RELEASE
Today we discuss how authors go about getting a great press release. We will look at the format and the information you need to supply, and how to approach editors.
Wednesday 28 July 2021
P061 WHAT IS AN ISBN
Today we offer an explanation of what an ISBN is, an ASIN, whether or not you need to include one in your book when Indie Publishing, and where do you obtain one from.
Saturday 24 July 2021
B042 FOUR THINGS A KIDS BOOK NEEDS
This one is for children's book writers. Today we discover the four most important elements that is characters needed to be part of a good kids book.
Tuesday 20 July 2021
P060 BECOMING A BESTSELLING AUTHOR PT 3
This is the concluding part of a three part podcast which offers tips and advice on how you can become not just a writer and author but a best selling one at that. Learn what it takes to start writing a book and how to succeed at it.
Sunday 18 July 2021
P059 BECOMING A BESTSELLING AUTHOR PT 2
This is the second part of a three part podcast which offers tips and advice on how you can become not just a writer and author but a best selling one at that. Learn what it takes to start writing a book and how to succeed at it.
Friday 16 July 2021
P058 BECOMING A BESTSELLING AUTHOR PT 1
This is Part 1 of a three part podcast which offers tips and advice on how you can become not just a writer and author but a best selling one at that. Learn what it takes to start writing a book and how to succeed at it.
Monday 12 July 2021
I006 IN CONVERSATION WITH... ADE BOWEN
Ade Bowen is an award-winning children's entertainer, stand up comic, author, illustrator, marketing expert, dad and husband as well as being an all-round funny guy. Join Ade and myself as we put the world to rights and talk about him coping with entertaining children throughout lockdown amongst other things happening in his life.
Saturday 10 July 2021
B041 CHARACTERS READERS WILL CARE ABOUT
Today I discuss how to go about finding those characters who will make your writing and stories come to life. Discover how to help your readers learn not only to fall in love, hate or misunderstand your characters but also to care about them.
Friday 2 July 2021
P057 SYMBOLISM IN WRITING
Symbolism? What is it? Especially in writing. Hopefully through this podcast Ann is able to help you understand not only what it symbolism is, but how you can use it within your writing.
Monday 28 June 2021
B040 WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION
Historical fiction/romance is one of the largest genres of writing. In today's podcast we give you some 'tips and how to's' in order to assist those who wish to write in this genre. We hope this helps you understand how to go about creating your first historical novel.
Thursday 24 June 2021
P056 WRITING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Often writers forget that they are in business. Todays podcast highlights some of the ways in which you can use your writing talent to develop, grow and enhance the business side of being a writer, a blogger, illustrator, etc. Remember readers are leaders!!
Sunday 20 June 2021
P055 INSTAGRAM AND INDIE AUTHORS PART 2
This is the second of two podcasts where we take a look at how Indie authors can utilise and use Instagram to develop and grow their reader following, as well as their business. The podcast offers you some fabulous ideas, know-hows, and tips to make this social media platform your own.
P054 INSTAGRAM AND INDIE AUTHORS PART 1
Through these podcasts we take a look at how Indie authors can utilise and use Instagram to develop and grow their reader following, as well as their business. The podcast comes in two parts, and offers you some fabulous ideas, know-hows, and tips to make this social media platform your own.
B039 PLACING BOOKS IN THE BRITISH LIBRARY HUB
As a self-published/Indie author what is the legal standing with depositing copies of your work (regardless of format) in accordance with the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2013? In this podcast we give a summary of your responsibilities in complying with this legal requirement.
Monday 5 April 2021
B032 LOSING SAID IN DIALOGUE
Today we discuss the use of speech tags and actions tags and how to lose that common word said and replace it with some action writing.
Thursday 1 April 2021
P048 GRAMMAR RULES - YES OR NO
Understand some of the mistakes that niggle editors when they receive your manuscript for review and edit. And also learn about overcoming some of those grammatical rules and myths that can be kicked out the window.
Sunday 28 March 2021
B031 COPING WITH WRITERS BLOCK
Has that Gremlin Writers Block hit you? Today we discuss ways in which you can overcome the frustration of that gremlin through exercise etc.
Wednesday 24 March 2021
P047 FORMATTING A CHILDRENS MANUSCRIPT
Whether you are submitting to an editor, agent or publisher you really do need to ensure your manuscript is formatted correctly. Not only do these tips help with children's manuscripts they can be adapted for all types of books.
Saturday 20 March 2021
B030 THE COLUMBO CLOSE
I'm sure many of you will have heard of the TV Detective Columbo. Let me explain to you how the world of TV fiction was used to develop the sales training programme for one of the top coffee providers in the world. You will be surprised at how simple the art of words can bring two worlds together.
Tuesday 16 March 2021
P046 CREATING A FLEXIBLE WRITING OUTLINE
Ensuring your story is enticing to readers is the one job all writers really want to achieve. To do this you need to understand where your story is going to go. By drawing up an outline on the crisis, conflict, characters and scenes it will help you produce a book that will flow, and be the best it can possibly be.
Saturday 13 March 2021
B029 TIPS FOR CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS
A story is only as good as the journey it takes its readers on and part of that journey is allowing readers to hold hands with your characters. Don’t just have good characters, make sure yours are great. Here are some tips to help you create them.
Tuesday 9 March 2021
P045 USING KICKSTARTER TO FUND YOUR BOOK
You've written your book but need to fund getting it published. One of the newest ways of doing this is to create a fund from future readers willing to support your reading. Today we talk a bout using Kickstarter to fund your book launch.
Saturday 6 March 2021
B028 CREATING AN AUTHORS PRESS KIT
Getting your name and details of your book out into the world is as important as writing the book itself. One key element all authors should have is a good Media or Press Kit. Here I list the necessary items needed that you should include in yours.
Tuesday 2 March 2021
I002 IN CONVERSATION WITH LIS McDERMOTT
An informal interview with trained musician, musical educator, professional photographer, writer, poet and now mentor Lis McDermott. She had me laughing by throwing a few surprises into the conversation. A fun interview.
Sunday 28 February 2021
P044 FINDING A WRITERS GROUP
Having doubts about your ability to write? Think your work isn't good enough but a bit wary of approaching anyone professional? Well think about joining a local writing group. You will be surprised at how helpful they can be in helping you overcome your fears and help get you into your writing stride.
Thursday 25 February 2021
B027 BOOK COVER PET HATES
'Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder' especially when it comes to choosing books. We all pick a book up by looking at the cover first. Today I chat about some pet hates that many authors have when it comes to book cover designing.
Sunday 21 February 2021
P043 BEING AN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER PT 3
Last of a three-part podcast to help Indie authors be the best self-publisher they can be. We will cover all the areas of the books Development, Production, Cover Design, How Dependencies affect the process, Marketing, and Distribution.
Friday 19 February 2021
P042 BEING AN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER PT 2
Second of a three-part podcast to help Indie authors be the best self-publisher they can be. We will cover all the areas of the books Development, Production, Cover Design, How Dependencies affect the process, Marketing, and Distribution.
Wednesday 17 February 2021
P041 BEING AN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER PT 1
First of a three-part podcast to help Indie authors be the best self-publisher they can be. We will cover all the areas of the books Development, Production, Cover Design, How Dependencies affect the process, Marketing, and Distribution.
Sunday 14 February 2021
B026 WHO DO YOU LIVE WITH?
Have ever wondered who else is in your relationship besides you and your partner? As a writer you will be surprised to find that we live with other people, if only in our minds, which can at times be worrying. It's even worse for a Mentor like me?
Wednesday 10 February 2021
P040 WHY CRISIS MAKES A STORY - GREAT
You’ve written a GOOD story, but it's not that good? The reason is probably due to there not being a crisis in it. Or not enough of them to make the story GREAT. Learn how to change the way your story reads.
Friday 5 February 2021
B025 HOW TO END A CHAPTER
If you want to keep your readers with you throughout the book then you need to ensure your story has some great chapter endings. Mini cliff-hangers will go a long way to ensuring your readers don't put your book down until they've finished reading it.
Monday 1 February 2021
I001 In Conversation With Paula Sheridan
Interview with Paula Sheridan, award-winning author, entrepreneur and CEO of The Page Turners Awards who talks to us about her writing and how our listeners can enter the 2021 Page Turners Awards Competition. This is also available as a full video to view on our YouTube Channel - Mentoring Writers Resource Box
Sunday 31 January 2021
P039 AVAILABLE PUBLISHING AVENUES
Wanting to know which publishing route to take? This podcast will help you learn more about the options open to you as both a traditional and Indie writer.
Wednesday 27 January 2021
P038 SETTING THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS
Being an author isn't just about writing a book and telling a story. There is far more to the job than that. That is why it is important you set yourself the right expectations, otherwise you might not achieve the success you want.
Sunday 24 January 2021
B024 JUST BEING YOU
Are you suddenly lost? Wondering who you are? Well here is some friendly advice from someone who understands exactly what you are going through. Remember you are unique. And worthy of being a writer.
Thursday 21 January 2021
P037 MARKETING CHILDRENS BOOKS PT 2
This is the second podcast on what you should be doing to market your book whether you are traditionally published or an Indie author. This is where the hard work really begins - the marketing.
Tuesday 19 January 2021
P036 MARKETING CHILDREN'S BOOKS PT 1
You've written your book and might even have had it traditionally published. But that doesn't mean to say you can sit back on your laurels and do nothing more. This is where the hard work really begins - the marketing.
Friday 15 January 2021
P035 COMMON Q + A's ON WRITING PBs ETC
Today we answer some of the more common questions raised not just by Picture Book writers but by all writers. Listen in and see if we answer your questions.
Tuesday 12 January 2021
P034 FINDING YOUR BETA READER
We writers have heard about Beta Readers. How they are important and relevant within our writing journey. Today we discuss why you should have one and how to find them.
Friday 8 January 2021
P033 SHAPING THE ADVENTURE STORY
Where do you go to get the ideas for a children's adventure story? Why, to the children themselves. Hear what you can learn from the very readers you are trying to impress.
Tuesday 5 January 2021
B023 FIGHTING THE WAGGING FINGER
What to do when the nagging finger of doubt starts waving to you and starts telling you what better things you could be doing. Remember, there is nothing better than writing!
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