http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodramaWhere we learn how to keep the drama on the page and out of our writing process! Let's see... writing is a wondrous, mysterious, unknowable process, right? Um... #notsomuch! Once past the inspiration point, the rest is craft and craft can be learned! And we are here to talk craft, keeping yourself motivated and so much more! If you want more of this kind of booty-kicking encouragement every day, check out my Twitter stream @writingnodrama for tips and tricks 24/7! Also don't forget to set a reminder through blogtalkradio for Saturdays at 2pm PST! Talk to you then!enCopyright Carolyn McCray (C/O Blogtalkradio)Sat, 15 Jun 2019 02:45:00 GMTSat, 05 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMTWritingBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/36373de8-8a4e-43f9-898c-3b669c247238_wwtd_logo_square.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodramaWhere we learn how to keep the drama on the page and out of our writing process! Let's see... writing is a wondrous, mysterious, unknowable process, right? Um... #notsomuch! Once past the inspiration point, the rest is craft and craft can be learned! And we are here to talk craft, keeping yourself motivated and so much more! If you want more of this kind of booty-kicking encouragement every day, check out my Twitter stream @writingnodrama for tips and tricks 24/7! Also don't forget to set a reminder through blogtalkradio for Saturdays at 2pm PST! Talk to you then!feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comwriting,author,writer,books,writing advice,editing,publishing,book,fiction,novelWritingWXOTheDramanoWhere we learn how to keep the drama on the page and out of our writing process! Let's see... writing is a wondrous, mysterious, unknowable process, right? Umepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/03/05/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writingWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/03/05/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/03/05/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writingSat, 05 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMTBestseller for a Day Update!We will be talking about what to do with your book AFTER you write it! Join us for a 1/2 hour of marketing talk!00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,author,writing adviceWe will be talking about what to do with your book AFTER you write it! Join us for a 1/2 hour of marketing talk!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/26/to-theme-or-not-to-themeWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/26/to-theme-or-not-to-theme/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/26/to-theme-or-not-to-themeSat, 26 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMTTo Theme or Not to ThemeFirst off, not all novels need a theme. As a matter of fact if a theme doesn't naturally bubble up from your subconscious, you probably don't want to try and wedge one in there just because it sounded cool to have a theme. We have all read those books where the author thought the color chartreuse was awesome and found some way (usually not a very pleasant way) to interject it freaking everywhere. Join me on Saturday at 2pm PST to discuss how to get your theme on without, you know, annoying your reader in the process00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,author,writing adviceFirst off, not all novels need a theme. As a matter of fact if a theme doesn't naturally bubble up from your subconscious, you probably don't want to try andhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/19/romantic-tension--how-to-keep-the-spark-aliveWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/19/romantic-tension--how-to-keep-the-spark-alive/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/19/romantic-tension--how-to-keep-the-spark-aliveSat, 19 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMTRomantic Tension - How to keep the spark alive!Nothing makes a book crackle more than romantic tension. Most people's minds go to the 'opposites attract' place. Aka "Moonlighting." However your characters do not have to constantly fight to create some sizzle. Tune in Saturday at 2pm PST to talk about one of Carolyn's favorite subjects! If you've read any of her books you know she can turn up the heat in ten seconds flat!00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanobooks,writing advice,author,story craft,romanceNothing makes a book crackle more than romantic tension. Most people's minds go to the 'opposites attract' place. Aka "Moonlighting." However your charactershttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/12/getting-down-and-dirty-turning-a-phraseWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/12/getting-down-and-dirty-turning-a-phrase/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/12/getting-down-and-dirty-turning-a-phraseSat, 12 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMTGetting Down and Dirty, "Turning a Phrase" In fiction we hear that term a lot... "Wow, that author really knows how to turn a phrase." You probably think, ya for them! But unless you are getting spontaneous compliments about how you turned a phrase well, you probably... um... you know... aren't turning them well! For any new writers out there wondering what in the heck I am talking about, here's the dictionary definition... A sequence of words intended to have meaning. a. A characteristic way or mode of expression. b. A brief, apt, and cogent expression. Okay, ya, that didn't help me out either. In my world "Turning a phrase" is when you take a fairly routine notion such as folding laundry and find a way to say it so much cooler. Ex: Elizabeth sighed as she folded yet another towel. Not a bad sentence. We've got sighed in there so we know her emotional state and the 'yet' adds to our characterization of Elizabeth. However, that is not turning a phrase, I simply wrote the sentence well. The towel was her nemesis. The hamper... her Everest. Is that the best turned phrase I have ever written, no (give me a break , it's 5 in the morning)! But it does show you the basics of what I am talking about. Usually turning a phrase means taking your point off the nose and flowering it up. It is when you read something that is not action or dialogue related and think "That was so freaking cool." I know I am being by far more vague with this blog but that is because we are not talking structure here, we are talking art. How 'well' you have turned a phrase is completely subjective. Some people may love it. Some people may not. The point of this blog is to bring your mind to the subject. We have all 'felt' when we needed to turn a phrase. Join me Saturday at 2pm PST to discuss exactly how we might go about doing that! 01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,author,writing adviceIn fiction we hear that term a lot... "Wow, that author really knows how to turn a phrase." You probably think, ya for them! But unless you are gettinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/05/know-thy-genreWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/05/know-thy-genre/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/02/05/know-thy-genreSat, 05 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMTKnow Thy GenreYou would think this one would be a no brainer, right? Wrong! When I ask so many of my pre-clients/students who the top 5 bestsellers are in the genre they look at me funny! So on Sat we are going to talk about the importance of knowing what is out there and why readers have genre expectations. Better yet we are going to discuss how you can meet those expectations yet still surprise your readers! Tune in Sat at 2pm PST! Better yet, call in with your questions! :-)01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,author,writing adviceYou would think this one would be a no brainer, right? Wrong! When I ask so many of my pre-clients/students who the top 5 bestsellers are in the genre they lhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/29/your-selling-pages-making-sure-they-can-sell-Writinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/29/your-selling-pages-making-sure-they-can-sell-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/29/your-selling-pages-making-sure-they-can-sell-Sat, 29 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMTYour "Selling" Pages... Making Sure They Can.... SELL ;-)If you think agents and publishers can be critical of your first 50 pages, just wait until you put them out to the public! You must capture a readers attention from word one and then live up to those first words to carry them into the rest of your book. If you don't? You lose a sale. Join us as we discuss how to make sure your "First 50" kick some serious booty!01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanobook,author,publishing,fiction,non-fictionIf you think agents and publishers can be critical of your first 50 pages, just wait until you put them out to the public! You must capture a readers attentionhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/22/work-shopping-your-writingWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/22/work-shopping-your-writing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/22/work-shopping-your-writingSat, 22 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMTWork Shopping Your WritingScreenwriters have done it for years. Poetry writers breathe work shopping to hone their words and performance. But prose writers? We have been slow to pick up the call. Sure we may have a crit partner or even a writing group. But to speak your words aloud? Not so much. And yes, prose is meant to be read, however having your words read aloud is one of the single most powerful techniques to hone your dialogue and catch some of our worst habits... over writing. So join us on Sat at 2pm PST where we will be joined by my co-host Ben Hopkin (@actingnodrama on twitter - check him out if you aren't familiar) where he will read selected works so we can work shop LIVE! If you would like your writing considered, please @ or DM me on my Twitter stream: @writingnodrama :-)01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,author,editing,social media,publishingScreenwriters have done it for years. Poetry writers breathe work shopping to hone their words and performance. But prose writers? We have been slow to pickhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/15/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-Writinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/15/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/15/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMTSo you realized your writer.... but no one else seems on board???Besides taking a slew of questions from the @writingnodrama Twitter stream, we will be talking about a fundamental situation many writers find themselves in... When their family and friends do not support their writing. Or worse, are adamantly opposed. How do you find the strength to march on when those closest to you don't support you? In this episode we find out that we are NOT alone. that even if our dearest and dearest aren't on board, there are plenty of other like-minded individuals out there to help keep you 'propped up' even when you want to wave the white flag of defeat! A MUST 'listen to' episode! Either leave your questions on the @writingnodrama writing stream or better yet, call in and get some support LIVE on-air! Saturdays 2pm PST. 01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,author,writing adviceBesides taking a slew of questions from the @writingnodrama Twitter stream, we will be talking about a fundamental situation many writers find themselves in...http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/08/the-absolutely-no-excuse-writing-challengeWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/08/the-absolutely-no-excuse-writing-challenge/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2011/01/08/the-absolutely-no-excuse-writing-challengeSat, 08 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMTThe "Absolutely No Excuse" Writing ChallengeThat's right, we are back in the New Year kicking some booty and taking names. I talk all the time about how ANYONE can write a book. Well, now I am challenging you to! And not a crash 30 days, lose your life and your sanity kind of thing. I am talking about scheduling a reasonable amount of time each week and devoting it to your writing. Checking in with yourself daily and weekly to see if you are on track. Sure the kids need to go to soccer and the dog just threw up on your shoes, but in between life's ups and downs, THERE IS TIME TO WRITE :-) So today's episode is all about how ANYONE can write a book this year edit it and get it out into the market place (or at the least query agents/editors if you wish to start with the traditional publishing route). Come get motivated to write a new book, edit the hot mess you got out of Nano or pull a manuscript from the drawer and dust it off!01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanobooks,author,writing advice,editing,publishingThat's right, we are back in the New Year kicking some booty and taking names. I talk all the time about how ANYONE can write a book. Well, now I am challenginhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/18/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writingWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/18/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/18/getting-prepped-to-make-2011-your-most-successful-year-writingSat, 18 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMTGetting prepped to make 2011 your most successful year writing!As the holiday season pummels us... I mean greets us, it is a great time to breathe in the winter air (or summer depending on your hemisphere) and think about what writing means to us. Remember if you simply write 3 pages a day in 100 days you will have 300 pages done. That is SO doable! If you haven't gotten your book done, there truly is only one thing standing in your way. Fear. You are afraid of being exposed. Most of the time you are afraid of both ends of the spectrum. You are afraid of being exposed as a hack, but also as a success. I can't believe the number of authors I meet on social media and in real life that are too timid to do an interview or go on our IBC radio show. Um... I know writers aren't talkers, but come on! If you aren't going to want to shout your book's virtues from the rooftops, then who will? So I say let's take this whole, time for reflection and look forward. Pretend your book is already done. How are you going to promote it? What do you want interviewers and reviewers to say about your book? For some of you this exercise is terrifying. You quake at the thought of approaching strangers to read your book and give a critique. Great! You might as well face the fear now, rather than when your book is out and needs your help! If the thought of getting out there and talking about your book excites you... Great! Let that feeling invigorate your writing. Let it motivate you to finally sit down and get a writing schedule. Whatever you feel your shackles are to writing unfettered, spend these next few weeks releasing them. Start the New Year with a New Attitude! Embrace your writing and it will embrace you back :-) After this episode we will be taking the holidays off, but know that we will be back after the New Year excited and ready to dole out some serious writing advice! 00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,author,advice,booksAs the holiday season pummels us... I mean greets us, it is a great time to breathe in the winter air (or summer depending on your hemisphere) and think about whttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/11/structure-your-nemesis-your-best-friendWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/11/structure-your-nemesis-your-best-friend/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/11/structure-your-nemesis-your-best-friendSat, 11 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMTStructure: Your Nemesis... Your Best FriendI came up with this week's topic by keeping track of every time I used structure to help a my own writing or that of a client/student's. I lost count after about 107. With the exception of word selection, structure pretty much informs every single line you write. And if it informs it, it can help it! Let's say you aren't sure how your Hero is going to get out of a fight with your villain. Now of course you want to find a super creative way to handle this, however structure can at least get you in the ball park. Let's say this situation is in the first act. Well, first off we know that the Hero cannot win. Not even close. As a matter of fact, if this event is happening in the first act, this villainous situation is usually going to propel your Hero to take the Opportunity. If this event happens in the second act I can nearly guarantee you that your Hero is going to fail... miserably. Usually lives will be lost. The 3rd act is the ONLY place where your Hero really has any shot at all of winning (and even then at a high cost). Each scenario requires a different set of events to take place to move you along to your next plot point. Remember everything in your story needs to be moving forward. No event in your work can be suspended in a bubble. If you can get rid of a scene without having to MAJORLY rework your story, that scene needs to be cut. Your story is a tightrope and structure is well... the tightrope. Hopefully you can see how structure has helped color your options. Now it is still up to you to figure out the details, but at least knowing where you are in the story (and trust me we can go down much deeper into the sub-acts and come up with some even more fine-tuned advice) helps you to figure out your options. Here is my challenge...Either call into the radio show (2pm PST Saturday)or Tweet your question onto my Twitter stream @writingnodrama about a problem you are having with your story and see if I can help you with structure! #game #on00:31:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,books,writing technique,writing adviceI came up with this week's topic by keeping track of every time I used structure to help a my own writing or that of a client/student's. I lost count after abouhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/04/the-readers-experience-and-how-to-make-it-work-forWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/04/the-readers-experience-and-how-to-make-it-work-for/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/12/04/the-readers-experience-and-how-to-make-it-work-forSat, 04 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMTThe Reader's Experience... and how to make it work for you!We talk a lot about structure, the Hero's journey, pacing and scene setting. But why? I mean besides the fact we want to grow our craft? It is because we want the reader to ENJOY reading our work. We don't want them to skim. We don't want them to have to go back and read something over again to understand it (unless of course you just blew their mind with a paradigm shift). Now you can guess at what the reader's experience is going to be and hope you get it right, or you can understand the modern reader. You can get inside their head and know what their hopes, dreams and expectations are as they read. Because if you have a good idea of what they want... you have a great chance of fulfilling it! And a fulfilled, satisfied reader creates a loyal reader. One who will buy your next book. One who will leave good reviews. One who will spread word of mouth. And for an author there is nothing so coveted! So tune in this Saturday where we will talk in-depth about what reader want... on both a conscious and sub-conscious level. Call in to have any of your questions answered LIVE! Or if you feel too shy, just submit your questions on my Twitter stream @writingnodrama! Also don't forget to contact me on Twitter @writingnodrama if you would live any of your work performed by our resident MFA actor Ben Hopkin then critiqued on-air! Remember you can also subscribe to this show through iTunes and listen to it on your iPod, computer or Mp3 player! "Talk" to you Saturday 2pm PST!00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanobooks,writer,author,WIP,editingWe talk a lot about structure, the Hero's journey, pacing and scene setting. But why? I mean besides the fact we want to grow our craft? It is because we whttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/27/your-heros-journey-begins-with-a-single-stepWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/27/your-heros-journey-begins-with-a-single-step/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/27/your-heros-journey-begins-with-a-single-stepSat, 27 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMTYour Hero's Journey Begins With A Single Step...So don't mess it up!!!! :-) To hook readers you need to connect to readers and one of the best, easiest, and most surefire ways to do it is to fulfill the Hero's journey. We are going to talk inner wound, outer motivation, the reluctance and arrogance phase. So tune in and even better yet, call in with real life examples and questions! "Talk" to you Saturdays 2pm PST!!!00:30:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,Hero,authors,writing technique,charactersSo don't mess it up!!!! :-) To hook readers you need to connect to readers and one of the best, easiest, and most surefire ways to do it is to fulfill the Hehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/20/pacing--the-key-to-engaging-readersWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/20/pacing--the-key-to-engaging-readers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/20/pacing--the-key-to-engaging-readersSat, 20 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMTPacing - The Key to Engaging ReadersPacing is probably one of the least talked about aspects of writing, yet is critical to creating a 'must-read' novel. There's got to be a rise and fall to your story. At times there should be a sense of urgency and foreboding. At other times, a few quieter moments for reflection or revelations. The last thing you want is for your story to 'drag,' but nor do you want the opposite and have your story feel 'chaotic' or 'rushed.' Many writers fall into a common pattern of 'dragging' out the first two acts, then rushing through the climax. Never good #underanycircumstances :-) I know I was writing a book and I was having trouble landing it. When I finally finished I said "Thank gawd they are dead!" Luckily my writing buddy said... "Um, I don't think that's how your readers are going to feel." He was right. Just because as I writer I was ready for my Heroes to die, I needed to make their deaths more poignant and meaningful. We will discuss how to check your own story against the Hero's Journey to make sure you are in the pacing "pocket." So tune in Saturday at 2pm PST and listen to some advice on how to make sure your novel is properly paced or better yet, call in and let's talk about yours specifically!01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,writer,author,novel,writing craftPacing is probably one of the least talked about aspects of writing, yet is critical to creating a 'must-read' novel. There's got to be a rise and fall to yohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/13/your-first-line-does-it-knock-the-socks-off-your-readersWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/13/your-first-line-does-it-knock-the-socks-off-your-readers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/13/your-first-line-does-it-knock-the-socks-off-your-readersSat, 13 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMTYour First Line... Does it knock the socks off your readers?Many writers lament that so much emphasis is put on to these first few words. But why shouldn't they be weighted heavily? After all first impressions truly are lasing. On this week's episode we are going to discuss the many facets of this first, crucial set of words you present to your reader. I will have plenty of examples of first lines to discuss but I encourage you to call in with your own and go LIVE with me discussing how to punch yours up! So don't forget to set a reminder for Saturdays at 2pm PST!!! Can't wait to chat!00:58:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriter,novel,author,marketing,writingMany writers lament that so much emphasis is put on to these first few words. But why shouldn't they be weighted heavily? After all first impressions truly arhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/06/dynamic-dialogue--writing-without-the-drama-styleWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/06/dynamic-dialogue--writing-without-the-drama-style/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/11/06/dynamic-dialogue--writing-without-the-drama-styleSat, 06 Nov 2010 21:00:00 GMTDynamic Dialogue - Writing Without The Drama StyleDialogue is by far the hardest aspect of fiction to 'nail.' Because let's face it, everyone hears people speak all the time. However, writing great dialogue isn't as simple as listening to others talk and writing it down. What works in real life, alas, feels stilted on the page. Join us for an hour of dynamic discussion about how to make your dialogue jump off the page! Remember to set a reminder for Saturdays a 2pm PST!01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanowriting,author,dialogue,writer,fictionDialogue is by far the hardest aspect of fiction to 'nail.' Because let's face it, everyone hears people speak all the time. However, writing great dialogue ihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/10/30/and-then-there-was-writing-without-the-dramaWritinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/10/30/and-then-there-was-writing-without-the-drama/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/writingnodrama/2010/10/30/and-then-there-was-writing-without-the-dramaSat, 30 Oct 2010 21:00:00 GMTAnd Then There Was Writing Without The DramaFinally your chance to get writing advice LIVE from @writingnodrama! While this is the introductory episode, I am sure we will discuss everything from Act Structure to Narrative Drive and everything in between. So listen in for some practical, ACTIONABLE writing advice or get your questions ready and call in! I would love to hear from you!01:00:00WritingWXOTheDramanoEditing,Author,Manuscript,Story,BookFinally your chance to get writing advice LIVE from @writingnodrama! While this is the introductory episode, I am sure we will discuss everything from Act Struc