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 o ...
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This is an unfiltered, educational & inspirational look at the ins-and-outs of starting, running and owning a small business - mixed in with a few short stories and a LOT of sarcasm.
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Experts on nothing who talk about everything.
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264: A Superfan...of Content (featuring Kent Heckel)
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I am joined by Kent Heckel to discuss creating content for his clients, the metrics behind his business and having your first egg burger in the woods.By Guiltless Podcast
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263: From Philly to Jersey (featuring XraeArt)
2:08:44
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I am joined by Rachel Ruby and and Math Byer to discuss starting XraeArt, hating Jersey Mike's and the last time we will see breakdancing in the olympics.By Guiltless Podcast
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262: Bees, Beers and Babies (featuring Chris Bush)
1:34:13
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I am joined by Chris Bush to discuss starting Hive Works Honey Company, helping prepare young people for future opportunities and switching our drinking habits as we get older...cuz beer makes us full.By Guiltless Podcast
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261: The Dolphin Conspiracy (featuring Ray Flanagan)
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I am joined by Ray Flanagan to discuss his writing process, defending Bob Dylan and having dolphins for roommates.By Guiltless Podcast
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Tune in as we talk with Dana Peddicord of The Blushery and Blush + Glow Lex on how she and her business partner grew their business and brand from a hobby, to a side gig, to a full-time career - a journey that lead them to open multiple businesses in the wedding, retail, and beverage spaces.By Kaelyn Query
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260: Crunch Time (featuring Luciano Ruscitto)
1:26:06
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I am joined by Luciano Ruscitto to discuss his decision to acquire the Cleveland Crunch, his future plans for the organization and people who drive alone in their car wearing masks.By Guiltless Podcast
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259: Guiltless and Chill...Conan the Destroyer
3:06:23
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I am joined by Noah Ryan and Skuff Micksun to watch the 80's masterpiece...Conan the Destroyer. And we talk about other stuff too.By Guiltless Podcast
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258: Comedy Curveballs (featuring Cam Godfrey)
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I am joined by Cam Godfrey to discuss her comedy and sketch career, the influences that shaped her style and when your audience isn't into sexual stuff.By Guiltless Podcast
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257: A Van With Many Faces (featuring Ben Marthey)
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I am joined by Ben Marthey of Van Arlo to discuss his musical influences, being nominated by the Cleveland Music Awards and the future impact of AI on music.By Guiltless Podcast
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Episode 50 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 st…
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256: Save The Date (featuring Melissa Eadeh)
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I am joined by Melissa Eadeh to discuss her live events for singles, the method she applies to finding her clients matches ands her next potential client...which is Ken Schneck who came to guest host!By Guiltless Podcast
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Using Setting as a Character in Fiction Writing
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Episode 49 Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest Marjorie McCown, author of the Hollywood Mystery series, who expertly uses the Hollywood movie set and Los Angeles as 'characters' in her books. In this episode, Marjorie and I explore how a well-crafted setting can…
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I am joined by Shelley and John Pippin of Brewnuts to discuss creating craft beer based donuts, understanding your role in business and not really wanting to talk to people at parties.By Guiltless Podcast
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"Sweet Treats" - An Interview with Ken & Melissa Robinson of Bourbon BonBons
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Ken & Melissa Robinson of Bourbon BonBons and Kentucky Sugar chat with us about being in the industry for over 20 years, and the good and bad that comes with owning and operating your own business. They discuss how they've been so successful over the years, scaling and growth, cashflow and how they've funded the business without taking on any debt …
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254: Come Sail Away (featuring Gabriella Sankovic)
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I am joined by Gabriella Sankovic to discuss sailing across the Atlantic, her time living in Cuba and why rum is so important when making a mojito.By Guiltless Podcast
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From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime and Fiction Writing
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Episode 48 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 w…
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253: 1440 Minutes (featuring Jing Lauengco)
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I am joined by market strategist Jing Lauengco to discuss being a disruptor in the industry, her experiences that have shaped her personal and professional life and why you should never protest expensive oat milk.By Guiltless Podcast
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I am joined by Scott from Stay Beautiful America and Shawn from Trend Kill Radio to discuss getting haircuts at the barber college, dating adults in 7th grade and future collaborations.By Guiltless Podcast
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Season 2, Episode 1: a quick catch-up of what Kaelyn has been up to over the last three years since the last episode was recorded. Also discussed: What to expect in this season, the purpose of the podcast, and more.By Kaelyn Query
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251: A Snowbird Summer (featuring Sammi Butler)
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I am joined by Sammi Butler to discuss hibernating to write music, our future stage names and how there is always an extra Dave Matthew's Band ticket.By Guiltless Podcast
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250: The Lebron James Of Metal (featuring Drop to Zero)
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I am joined by the band Drop to Zero to discuss them reuniting for new music, their style and influences and our connections to Lebron James.By Guiltless Podcast
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Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements
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Episode 47 Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast, the podcast that ignites your creativity and fuels your passion for storytelling. I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, and today I have an enchanting episode you won't want to miss. I am thrilled to be joined by the bestselling author Barbara Davis, who is a true…
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249: A Tree Grows In Cleveland (featuring Dianne Williams Suntala)
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I am joined by Dianne Williams Suntala to discuss the progress and future of her Little Zen Yoga program, the impacts this has had on families who participate and the truth about someone who goes from 0 to 100.By Guiltless Podcast
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248: Bad Habits And Beers (featuring The Baker's Basement)
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The Baker's Basement makes a return to talk drinks. new music and grant my son his first live musical performance. It was well received.By Guiltless Podcast
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I am joined by Maria Serra and Amanda Kostelli to discuss sex robots, feeling safe around bears and when it's okay to stop following your favorite influencers.By Guiltless Podcast
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Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock Creativity
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Episode 46 Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a novel; Unlock your creativity with process writing and you'll harness amazing benefits. In this episode, Boo Trundle and I talk about process writing, it…
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246: Best Foot Forward (featuring Gina Kelly)
2:33:22
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I am joined by Gina Kelly to discuss her push to bring a professional women's soccer team to Cleveland, our top tier parenting styles and why her husband keeps making me edit podcasts when I don't want to.By Guiltless Podcast
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I am joined by Zup to discuss his upcoming collaboration with Saucey Brew, our shared love of the Godzilla soundtrack and needing more live shows that start before our bedtime.By Guiltless Podcast
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244: The Hammer, The Nail And The Thumb (featuring Emil Fischer)
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I am joined by Emil Fischer to where we discuss his BJJ journey, taking over as head Jiu Jitsu instructor at Strongstyle MMA and that amazing feeling of making someone drive home from a tournament with the music off.By Guiltless Podcast
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243: Her Quiet Confidence (featuring Kierra Cotton)
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I am joined by Kierra Cotton to discuss her time as a reporter with WKYC Cleveland, keeping her ties to the community and why the 4th quarter Cavs can really "grind her gears."By Guiltless Podcast
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Get a Glimpse Behind the Publishing Curtain
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Episode 45 Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, whether you are indie, traditional, or hybrid (published or not), learn from an expert in the industry. Learn more about Level Best Books ➤ …
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242: Where is My Mind? (featuring Brittany Nicole)
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I am joined by Brittany Nicole to discuss what led her to becoming a mental health therapist, the impacts of social media and how Ohio can hurt our productivity (though not intentionally).By Guiltless Podcast
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241: Another Round, Sir (featuring Sir Yacht)
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I am joined by Joey Kinsley (Sir Yacht) to discuss easting meals alphabetically, bad edible experiences and how all our predictions from the last episode came true (ya crypto dbags).By Guiltless Podcast
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The Fundamentals of Marketing for Writers
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Episode 44 Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert with experience in marketing. This episode taps into marketing fundamentals to help writers succeed in this part of the writing process. Books and Other…
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240: Sundays with Corky (featuring Scott Nixon)
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I sit down with my good friend Scott Nixon to discuss that Corky's lifestyle over breakfast burritos.By Guiltless Podcast
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239: Emotional Flies (featuring Fruitfly)
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I am joined by Kyle Thompson and Jake Conder of Fruitfly to discuss forming their band and their sound, their current influences and finding language that both old and young people can understand.By Guiltless Podcast
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238: A Traditional Realist (featuring Frank Oriti)
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I am joined by Frank Oriti to discuss his style of painting, the impact of Bob Ross and our shared love of Loudermilk.By Guiltless Podcast
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237: Wrestling Dead Presidents (featuring Ryan Kelly)
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I am joined by Ryan Kelly to discuss his upcoming projects, breaking out on his own and going to see concerts when you hate the headliner.By Guiltless Podcast
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How to Tap into M.A.G.I.C. in your Writing
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Episode 43 We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation, we talked about how to apply her MAGIC framework to the writing life. Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: * Work Your Magic* https://ww…
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236: A Quirky Slow Clap (featuring Michelle Sabato)
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I am joined by Michelle Sabato to discuss her journey into writing and acting, the possible impact of AI on the film industry and the divide between the east and west side.By Guiltless Podcast
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235: My Scary Godmother (featuring Comatose Why-Wintour)
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I am joined by Comatose Why-Wintour to discuss her journey to drag performing, high school reunions on gay twitter and seeing strippers from your history class.By Guiltless Podcast
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234: A Wolf in Chic Clothing (featuring Adrina Wolf)
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I am joined by Adrina Wolf to discuss her experiences growing up and how that has influenced her career and friendships, launching her LTK account and having 2 awesome last names.By Guiltless Podcast
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233: A Song for You (featuring George Chase Jr)
1:46:03
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I am joined by George Chase Jr to discuss his music, starting Happy Hour Sessions and collaborating with other musicians.By Guiltless Podcast
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232: Top Five...Cleveland Breweries
1:29:19
1:29:19
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I am joined by Skip Streeter and Scott Nixon to discuss the best breweries in Cleveland. Recorded at Bookhouse Brewing.By Guiltless Podcast
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Episode 42 In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your life for stories. This is such a great topic and applicable to people who write (or want to write) memoirs, creative nonfiction, and fiction. Enjoy! Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: W…
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231: Whiskey And Cake (featuring Noah Ryan)
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I am joined by comedian Noah Ryan to discuss comedy, podcasting and his recent social media milestones...while drinking whiskey and eating his homemade cake.By Guiltless Podcast
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230: One Man's Trash (featuring Eddie Olschansky)
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I am joined by Eddie Olschansky to discuss starting Trash Fish CLE, where our recycling goes and his secret life as a semi-professional dart player.By Guiltless Podcast
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229: Dress for Success (featuring Aimon Ali)
1:29:37
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I am joined by Aimon Ali to discuss her journey from Toronto to Cleveland, helping to develop more representation in the fashion industry and why American food portions are so much larger (its because Americans are larger).By Guiltless Podcast
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228: Guilty Magic (featuring Tyler Bucks)
1:54:24
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I am joined by Tyler Bucks to discuss our history of injuries, his creative and writing process...and we talk about magic.By Guiltless Podcast
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Literary Agents: What to think about and look for, and so much more!
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Episode 41 In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up being so much more. Enjoy! Resources mentioned in this episode: Books and Other Resources Mentioned in this episode: Michael Griffo's Website: https://mic…
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