show episodes
 
The QuitCast for Writers is a podcast created around the content of Becca Syme’s “What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question” model of coaching writers. We feature three types of shows. ~ What to Quit ~ We’re all doing too much. We need to do less. Focus more. How do we decide what not to do? This is how. Watch these shows. ~ What to Keep ~ There are proven models of success metrics. It’s important to know how to trust your own wiring to make choices for you and to stand out as a write ...
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What does it take to make it in the intensely competitive author world? Best selling mystery and thriller authors Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey host fellow writers for lively, entertaining, and informative conversation about forging a successful author career. Expect healthy banter surrounding themes and topics they occasionally stick to, often derailed by curious tumbles down amusing rabbit holes. Subscribe on your favourite platform for new shows every two weeks.
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Welcome to Alchemy for Authors! If you’re an author, aspiring author, writer or wordsmith, you’re in the right place. Join Gothic and Ghost Fiction author Jo Buer as she explores best practices for supercharging writing lives and author careers. With an emphasis on manifestation and mindset, you’ll learn actionable steps to overcome writer’s block and imposter syndrome, get your butt in the chair and your stories written, while setting aside your ‘starving artist’ mentality, and so much more ...
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show series
 
What Drives this Character? Dean Winchester Released on Youtube as Episode 7.3 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week's episode, I sit down with bestselling author J.D. Barker to explore the art of fearless storytelling and the ever-changing landscape of publishing. We delve into how asking 'What if?' fuels great stories, J.D.’s unique approach to navigating both Traditional and Indie publishing, and why building a…
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In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants and needs, and identifying their fears. Michele introduces her character development tool 'Interview for I…
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What Drives this Character? Glinda and Elphaba. Released on Youtube as episode 7.3 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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Bestselling thriller author, Cap Daniels, joins Nick and Doug to talk about his mantra of writing every day, consistency in all aspects of publishing, and how he makes it all work while maintaining a full-time job. Links from the Show: capdaniels.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cap-Daniels/author/B07D5JT5XV https://www.facebook.com/WriterCapDanie…
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If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals! Remember…
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Do you have to write to market? Released on Youtube as episode 7.02 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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Ted Lasso: What Drives this Character? Posted on Youtube as episode 7.01 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I open up about my setbacks and accomplishments in 2024, and my goals for 2025. Some of the other topics I discuss include: · Why 2024 kind of sucked for my author career. · How to acknowledge the hardships and letdowns of the past year and use them to fuel your goals. · How to find …
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Nick and Doug are joined by amazing NYT bestselling mystery and fantasy author Charlaine Harris, who shares insights from her lengthy and incredibly successful career, including having multiple TV series, like True Blood, developed from her books. Links from the Show: charlaineharris.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlaine_Harris https://www.fa…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with author Kendra Vaughan about her debut novel, The Plymbury Witch. Kendra also shares the pros and cons of doing an MFA, why she chose Indie Publishing over Traditional Publishing, and how a magical life has shaped her author career. Visit Kendra’s website here: https://kendrava…
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The guys were super excited to chat with Becca Syme, who is not only a USA Today bestselling author, but also a renowned Gallup-Certified strengths coach with a Master's Degree in Transformational Leadership and fourteen years of experience in success coaching. Links from the Show: rlsyme.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.L.-Syme/author/B00DY57M7…
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Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared. Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered. Thank you to all the guests and listeners! So much good stuff to come in 2025! 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of …
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with best-selling author Renee Rose. Renee talks about her new book Relax to Riches, and shares how you can take your manifesting practice to the next level with ease. Some of the other topics we discuss include: · How shadow work can help you manifest faster and easier. · Why thin…
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Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey. We dig into story stru…
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Doug and Nick chat with bestselling urban fantasy author Heather G Harris about bringing emotional content to her stories, and how she's interlinked her series' worlds for amazing read-through and a dedicated fan base. Links from the Show: heathergharris.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Heather-G.-Harris/author/B097ZP5J8S https://www.facebook.com/…
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Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with best-selling author and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Becca Syme. We discuss some of the common causes of overwhelm and burnout for authors and what we can do to minimise their impact and set ourselves up for success. Some of the other topics we discuss include: · The role…
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Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? If so, this episode is for you. Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chro…
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NYT bestselling horror and thriller author JD Barker talks about his collaborative projects and how he's brought a new twist to the trad publishing world with his hybrid approach. Links from the Show: jdbarker.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._Barker https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.D.-Barker/author/B005FCUYU4 https://www.facebook.com/therealj…
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Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project. Drawing from insights in Seth Godin’s The Dip, I unpack the tricky phase where doubt creeps in, and we’re temp…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with book publicist, Larissa Banting. Larissa demystifies PR and discusses its power to boost visibility and sales of your books. Some of the other topics we discuss include: · What sets publicity apart from advertising. · Why going on T.V. is often the last form of recommended med…
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Do you want to be more efficient when it comes to your writing? Wish there was a way to understand what type of writing process would work well for you instead of trying and failing at a method that works well for others? Guess what? There is. It still takes work but makes a massive difference in my writing life. In this episode, I’m joined by Becc…
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Bestselling thriller author Alex Sigmore shares how he took fate in his own hands and doubled down on a new genre, using data and research to guide his very successful decision. Links from the Show: www.alexsigmore.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alex-Sigmore/author/B0B1YXMZ7N https://www.facebook.com/AlexSigmoreBooks https://www.facebook.com/eri…
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Are you good at acknowledging your efforts and celebrating your creative milestones? Like most of us, probably not. Does this make you a better, healthier, or happier writer? NOPE. Today, we discuss the damaging effects of not acknowledging our efforts and achievements (no matter how big or small) and break down some actionable steps and relevant s…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with bestselling author and Plot Dude, Troy Lambert. Troy shares his own recent experiences with pivoting and gives advice on how to utilise pivoting to create a sustainable author career. Some of the other topics we discuss include: · Why writing is the easiest job in the world to…
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This one is for all the writers who have turned into parents or parents who’ve turned into writers. Becoming a parent changes you. Irrevocably. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes (often) it's terrifying. Some days you look up and realize your actual boss is a tiny human that you created. It's a mind trip. Ad when those precious people grow into the …
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Nick and Doug are joined by award-winning thriller writer RJ Patterson, who talks about his in-depth research methods and sources which help keep his stories authentic and captivating, and his multiple interconnected series. Links from the Show: www.rjpbooks.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.J.-Patterson/author/B0098F2E48 https://www.facebook.com…
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Today, I talk with Julie Arts, an experienced book coach and 'query wizard,' to offer expert advice on how to write effective query letters. Julie shares her journey in the writing world, insights on crafting a compelling pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips on querying agents. The episode is packed with valuable information designed…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s episode, I chat with bestselling author and book coach, Emma Dhesi. Emma shares with us the 4 Pillars of Author Success: Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun. We discuss how these pillars can make themselves known in all areas of our writing, publishing, and marketing journeys, and how we can us…
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In this episode, I'm interviewed by Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry of Story Solutions for Writers. We chat about the challenge of managing fear and uncertainty in writing. I break down my philosophy on 'writing it scared' and highlight the importance of aligning intentions with actions. We discuss common fears writers face, the role of mentorship…
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NYT & WSJ bestselling thriller writer, Rachel Howzell Hall joins Nick and Doug to talk about developing her writing style and niche, and how she's now leaping into a whole new genre. Links from the Show: www.rachelhowzell.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rachel-Howzell-Hall/author/B001H6IFS0 https://www.facebook.com/rachel.h.hall https://www.insta…
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It's the final quarter of 2024! These are the last 90 days to make good on writing goals, so let's make sure they are reasonable and attainable and not shoot ourselves in the foot and wind up feeling disappointed come January! In this episode, you'll learn how to "Do the Math" while applying the "Lens of Your Reality" and how to add a buffer for wh…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I share a personal update on what actions I’m taking to align myself with being a healthy author, and I reflect on how I came to write my gothic novella, Between. I also read an excerpt from Between and challenge you to trust that your words have purpose and your stories have a place…
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Today, I chat with romance author Roni Loren, a two-time Rita Award winner and Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach with the Better Faster Academy. The discussion dives into the controversial advice about editing as you go and how each writer's process is unique. Roni shares her journey, her struggles with self-doubt, and how she overcame burnout. Wit…
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Bestselling Thriller and Post-Apocalyptic author Franklin Horton talks to Doug and Nick about his 'try anything' approach to marketing his books over the years. This episode is a brought to you from Hurricane Francine special! Links from the Show: franklinhorton.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Franklin-Horton/author/B00JTXX6BE https://www.faceboo…
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Since we've had a lot of questions about how to do these, I wanted to do a quick primer on this so you'd have the tool (and mostly so we'd have the tool for reference). This is a tool I use for myself and I'm not claiming to speak for the entirety of the community about this. I just use it myself and a bunch of people asked me to make a video for r…
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In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of suspense and tension in storytelling. We clarify the differences between these often-confused terms and explain how both are essential for a compelling narrative. Learn through examining popular works of fiction how long-term and short-term suspense work together to keep readers engaged. This episo…
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Every decision you make is a hammered nail or placed board for the house you're going to live in as an author. Are you making choices that will build you a house you can live in? First released on Youtube March 4, 2024 as episode 6.01 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! Are you roadworthy as an author? Are you set up to go the distance with your author career? In this week’s solo episode, I reflect on changes I need to make in all areas of my life to set myself up for a sustainable, joyful author career. I share the questions I’ve been asking myself around procrastination, my h…
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In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I chat with author and Story Grid CEO Tim Grahl. We discuss Tim's challenging yet rewarding journey from struggling writer to accomplished author, highlighting the importance of mastering scene writing and the rigorous learning process that led to his new novel, "The Shithead," dubbed as Faust meets F…
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Thriller and Suspense author Matty Dalrymple joins the guys to talk about how she's expanded her footprint and income with a podcast, speaking engagements, and non-fiction publications. Links from the Show: www.mattydalrymple.com https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matty-Dalrymple/author/B00J68IQY4 https://www.facebook.com/matty.dalrymple www.theindyauth…
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How we relate to the future is so important. The majority of us are not meant to think about the future. First released on YouTube on Aug. 7, 2023 as episode 5.11 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Downl…
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Today, we celebrate a podcasting milestone and discuss how knowing who you're writing for can help calm your inner critic so you can push past the fear and anxiety of the work not being good enough. In this episode, we delve into the story of E.B. White, a celebrated American author who also struggled with fear and anxiety, to draw inspiration and …
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Becca interviews Claire Taylor First aired on Youtube July 31,2023 as episode 5.10 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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Welcome back to Alchemy for Authors! In this week’s solo episode, I discuss how I use Writer’s Notebooks to collect inspiration and pay attention to the stories all around us. In the intro I share a brief personal update about my writing plans for the next sixteen months. Resources mentioned in this episode: · Leuchtturm 1917 Notebooks: https://www…
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In this episode, I’m joined by the delightful Kid-Lit author Cynthia Platt. We talk about the process of writing her debut intergenerational, dual-timeline YA novel, Postcards For Summer, which I adored reading. Cynthia shares what she’s learned about finding a rhythm as a writer, granting herself permission to explore varied interests, and giving …
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Nick and Doug are joined by USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes who chats about the incredible reader community she's built through social media, newsletters, and Patreon. Links from the Show: https://tonyakappes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes/ https://www.instagram.com/tonyakappesbooks/ https://www.amazon.com/st…
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Becca discusses more options to help writers get unstuck. First released on Youtube as Episode 5.08 on April 5th, 2023 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl…
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In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we explore the art of crafting seamless flashbacks in fiction writing. I break down how and when to use a flashback effectively and the seven key elements every flashback needs to feel seamless and move the story forward. We talk about the pros and cons of flashbacks and how to place them for maximum …
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