Ever dreamed of seeing your book on Amazon's virtual shelves? The journey from a spark of inspiration to a published masterpiece can seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with the right guidance.

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, we unpack the nine essential steps to transform your book idea into a polished, published reality. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or a first-time author, these insights will help navigate the sometimes murky waters of the publishing world.

• The critical first step that many authors overlook when starting their book project
• Why outlining is crucial, even if you're a "pantser" who writes by the seat of your pants
• The editing process that can elevate your manuscript from good to great
• How to build buzz for your book before it hits the shelves
• The pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing routes
• Why marketing isn't just for after your book is published (and how to start early)

• Understand your genre inside and out to align with reader expectations
• Craft a solid outline to guide your writing journey
• Invest in professional editing to polish your manuscript
• Build your author platform and marketing strategy early
• Make informed decisions about your publishing path
• Create a visually appealing product with professional formatting and cover design
• Develop a robust marketing plan for long-term success

Learn why joining a supportive writing community can be a game-changer for your author journey.

Don't let the publishing process intimidate you. With these actionable steps, you'll be well on your way to holding your very own book in your hands. Tune in to get the full scoop on turning your literary dreams into reality!

LINKS:

• 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
• Write 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 Maselli and Gena Maselli, along with guest Rene Gutteridge, delve into the significance of the first sentence in a book. They discuss how the opening line serves as a handshake with the reader, setting the tone and establishing trust. The episode includes examples of famous first lines and offers practical advice for making your book's opening memorable, whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction. The podcast also highlights the benefits of joining a writing community for continuous improvement and support.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:56 The Importance of the First Sentence
• 04:33 Analyzing Famous First Lines
• 08:29 Crafting Your Own Compelling First Line
• 14:31 Non-Fiction First Lines Matter Too
• 17:05 Join the Writing Momentum Community

LINKS:

• 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
• Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli, along with their good friend Rene Gutteridge, discuss the importance of reworking the first chapter of your book.

They share their experiences and insights on how to make the first chapter captivating and foundational for the rest of the story. The conversation covers how often they rewrite their first chapters, the significance of introducing characters and settings, and the challenges of establishing an ordinary world before the inciting incident. The episode also highlights the difference between fictional and non-fictional first chapters, the process of setting up future story events, and offers tips on building a connection with readers right from the start. Additionally, they introduce their Writing Momentum membership, which provides support and accountability for writers.

• 00:00 Introduction to Writing Momentum Podcast
• 00:38 The Importance of the First Chapter
• 01:29 Rewriting and Refining Your First Chapter
• 02:11 Real-Life Example of First Chapter Revisions
• 10:36 The Role of Entertainment and Trust in Nonfiction
• 11:31 Introducing Characters in Fiction
• 15:50 Join the Writing Momentum Community
• 17:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell

LINKS:

• 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://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

LINKS:

• 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
• Write 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 Gena and Christopher Maselli discuss how to conduct a healthy brainstorming session. They are joined by Rene Gutteridge, who shares her approach to brainstorming for her books, stories, and screenplays. The conversation touches on techniques such as:

• asking 'what if' questions,
• the 'yes and' approach
• the importance of creating a positive, collaborative environment.

They also explore how brainstorming can apply to both fiction and nonfiction writing and the value of feedback from diverse groups, including family members and writing communities.

• 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Introduction
• 00:27 Special Guest Introduction: Rene Gutteridge
• 01:01 Topic Introduction: Healthy Brainstorming Sessions
• 01:47 Brainstorming Techniques and Personal Insights
• 04:11 Collaborative Brainstorming in Writer's Rooms
• 07:12 Creating a Positive Brainstorming Environment
• 10:39 Brainstorming Beyond Professional Settings
• 15:59 Techniques for Effective Brainstorming
• 18:02 Creating Problems for Characters
• 21:54 Conclusion and Community Invitation

LINKS:

• 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
• Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

In this episode, we tackle the common issue of getting stuck during the writing process. Joined by award-winning author Rene Gutteridge, we explore practical strategies to overcome creative roadblocks in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Rene shares her insights on managing emotional and logical aspects of writing, the importance of stepping back, and engaging with writing communities for support. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this discussion offers valuable advice to help you maintain your writing momentum.

• 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Writer's Block
• 00:13 Meet Rene Gutteridge: Award-Winning Author
• 00:42 The Struggles of Writing: Getting Stuck
• 02:31 Applying Logic Over Emotion
• 05:52 Practical Tips for Fiction Writers
• 16:26 The Importance of Community and Support
• 22:13 Conclusion: Keep Writing, Don't Doubt Yourself

LINKS:

• 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
• Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

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 Published
• 00:50 The Importance of Pre-Publication Marketing
• 04:03 Building Your Newsletter Audience
• 08:36 Engaging Your Audience Through Social Media
• 10:22 Networking and Media Outreach
• 13:59 Conclusion and Final Tips

LINKS:

• 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
• Write 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 Action

LINKS:

• 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
• Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership