
The Kate and Abbie Show
Kate and Abbie Emmons are sisters, best friends, and authors on a mission to help you stoke your creative fire and live the life of your dreams.
Episodes

Episode 153: The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Nobody tells you this when you're starting out: the biggest mistakes new authors make usually have NOTHING to do with the writing itself. 😬 In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we're getting real about the 5 biggest mistakes we made when we were first starting out as published authors—things like hiding our work for way too long, letting perfectionism stall our progress, and ignorin

Episode 152: Why Your Story Isn’t Hitting (And How to Fix It)
Ever feel like your story just… isn’t hitting anymore? Like something is missing, the spark is gone, and suddenly every scene feels kind of *meh* no matter how hard you try to fix it?In this episode, Kate and I are sitting down for a very real conversation about WHY that happens — and how to figure out what your story actually needs before you scrap the whole thing and start over (because we know

Episode 151: Do You Actually Need an Editor to Publish a Book?
If you’re a writer trying to figure out what you actually need before publishing your book… this episode is for you. Editors, beta readers, proofreaders, coaches... it can feel like you need all of it just to move forward. And it gets overwhelming (and expensive) fast. 😵💫PRE-ORDER ABBIE'S NEW BOOK HERE: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matter In this episode of The Kate & Abb

Episode 150: 7 Easy Ways To Add SUSPENSE To Your Story
Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down.From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking clock, these powerful storytelling techniques will help you craft suspenseful, high-stakes fiction that kee

Episode 149: How to Craft a Heartbreaking Villain's Backstory
Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding villain motivation, how to make a villain relatable, and writing a tragic backstory that resonates.

Episode 148: 10 Hacks to Write FASTER in Less Time
Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without rushing!) Grab a notebook and get ready to be inspired. Let's go!
WATCH THE MUSE CHALLENGE SUMMIT REPLAY: ht

Episode 147: How to Write MORE Words FASTER in 2025
Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a pipe dream; in fact, it can be something that you finish within 1-3 months. It's time to STOP putting your

Episode 146: How to Build a WRITING HABIT with NaNoWriMo
Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this episode will give you the tools you need to make writing a daily habit. Grab a notebook and let's get sta

Episode 145: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2024
Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simply starting a new literary endeavor, we're here to help you prepare yourself to write your best novel. We will cut through the clutter and overwhelm and focus on the FEW vital things that will help you write more words this November. So grab a notebo

Episode 144: How to Make INSTA-LOVE Just as Swoonworthy as Slow Burn Romance 😍
Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in today's podcast. We'll explore six powerful tried-and-true methods for making your couple's relationship feel well-developed and compelling, even if you're working with a short timeline for your story. So, if you need two characters to

Episode 143: 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Characters More FLAWED and LOVABLE
Do you want to write flawed, lovable, and relatable characters? In this new podcast episode, we're exploring five simple techniques for making your characters more unique and realistic by giving them vices and virtues that will make your readers fall in love. Ready to take your characters to the next level? Grab a notebook, and let's dive into this discussion!
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Episode 142: How to Make the Inciting Incident Happen in Chapter One
Do you want to kick your story off with a bang and captivate your readers in chapter one? The secret is to make us care about your characters and write an explosive inciting incident within those crucial first few pages of your story. That's why, in today's podcast, we're exploring how to shove your characters outside their comfort zone in the first chapter of your book and keep your r

Episode 141: 3 Simple Ways to Fix BORING Dialogue
Is your dialogue falling flat, sounding repetitive, or feeling forced? Do you want to elevate your dialogue-writing skills but don’t know where to begin? In this new podcast episode, Kate and I reveal three game-changing tips to transform dull dialogue into compelling conversations—as well as how to pinpoint problem areas so that you can take your story to the next level! Grab a notebook, and let’

Episode 140: Keys to Writing Writing a Powerful “Aha!” Moment
The "aha moment" is one of the most important parts of your ENTIRE story! In this episode, we're diving into your character's realization and transformation... and how to leave a lasting impact on your audience. This is YOUR moment – the reason why you wanted to write this story in the first place! We're going to break this down step-by-step. So grab a notebook and let's

Episode 139: 6 MUST-KNOW TIPS for Young Writers (or Beginner Writers!)
Are you a young writer or just a beginner, and you’re feeling...overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. Kate and I are both familiar with the feeling of starting out on this writing journey and feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. How do you know if your writing is any good? When should you publish your first novel? How do you edit your own work and become better? In this podcast, we’re

Episode 138: How to Design a Book Cover That STANDS OUT
Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even begin with cover design? If so, today's podcast is for you. In this episode, Kate and I will divulge our best tips and techniques for designing a show-stopping cover — whether you're flying solo or working with a cover designer. We'll sh

Episode 137: How to Actually Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer
Do you ever compare your writing to others and feel like you just don't measure up? Does self-doubt ever make you want to throw your manuscript into the trash bin? Are you feeling discouraged because you're not where you want to be in your writing/publishing journey? If so, you’re not alone. These are mental battles that plague writers everywhere… And that’s why, in this episode of the Kat

Episode 136: World-Building MISTAKES New Writers Make (Avoid These Cringeworthy Cliches!)
Crafting a fictional setting, also known as world-building, is a crucial aspect of any good story. A well-crafted setting has the power to capture our attention and transport us into the world of the characters. However, if you reveal your world in the wrong way, you risk boring your readers and overwhelming them with information.
In today's podcast, Kate and I will discuss the do's and d

Episode 135: How to Write MORE WORDS in 2024
Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you feel like you just can't get enough words down? This year, all that can change. In this podcast episode, Kate and I will share simple but powerful techniques that can help you overcome this challenge. We'll dive into developing personalized habits, finding an accountability partner, cultivating a daily habit of creativity, and committing

Episode 134: Answering YOUR writing questions! (End-of-Year Special)
You asked us writing questions... and we are here to answer them! In this end-of-year special episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we're sitting down and tackling your toughest writing struggles, offering insightful tips and tricks that have helped us throughout the years to build successful and joyful author careers. So grab your favorite cozy blanket and something yummy to drink...and let&#

Episode 133: 7 Reasons To KEEP WRITING When You Feel Like Giving Up
Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we reach a point in the writing process where we ask ourselves: is it even worth it to keep going? We writers are introspective by nature, but sometimes our reckless imaginations come back to bite us when we start to think that our books aren't worth

Episode 132: How to Break Through Writer's Block During NaNoWriMo
We’re nearly halfway through NaNoWriMo! A lot of writers experience a creative lull during the halfway point of a writing project — also known as the “mushy middle” 😰 when you might be feeling burnt out or lacking creativity.
That’s why, in this new podcast, Kate and I are tackling one of the most daunting challenges any writer can face: writer's block. It's a universal struggle, that ov

Episode 131: How to Write Consistently Every Day for NaNoWriMo 2023
One of the most daunting hurdles for writers is finding the time to sit down and write. 😩🕒 Kate and I understand the struggle of juggling various responsibilities and still trying to squeeze in some time for writing. That's why, in today’s podcast, we’re sharing our best tips for building an unstoppable writing habit and avoiding distractions.
We’re also going to share our top 4 hacks for st

Episode 130: The #1 BIGGEST MISTAKE New Writers Make
There's one big mistake I often see many new writers make… a mistake that can ruin your whole story and end your author career before it even begins. (No exaggeration.) This mistake has destroyed many writers who could have been great, if they had just done this ONE THING differently. What is this mistake? That's the big question we are unpacking and addressing in today's new episode o

Episode 129: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2023 ✨✍️ #Preptober
Preptober starts now! Are you preparing to write your novel for NaNoWriMo 2023, but you're not sure where to start? We believe that everyone's process is different -- and that's why, in today's podcast, Kate and I are sharing out perspectives and best advice for bringing joy and creative inspiration to the story-planning journey. Grab your notebook and a cup of coffee, and let'

Episode 128: Fall in LOVE With Your Side Characters – Tips for Writing an Unforgettable Cast of Characters
Are you struggling to make your side characters three-dimensional, relatable, and compelling? What if you could give them internal conflict that deepens their character and enriches the plot, even if they don't have a POV? In this episode, Kate and Abbie share tips and tricks for writing side characters with internal conflict. They discuss how internal conflict can drive a story forward and ma

Episode 127: How to Write a Compelling Romance Between a Hero and Villain
Are you tired of the same old romance tropes? Do you want to shake things up and create a compelling love story between your hero and villain? If so, this new episode of The Kate and Abbie Show is for you! Today, we’re diving into the complexities of writing a romance between a protagonist and antagonist. We're sharing simple but powerful techniques for building tension, trust, and chemistry b

Episode 126: How to Make Time to Write and Establish a Writing Routine That Lasts
Are you struggling to find time to write? Do you constantly find yourself procrastinating and avoiding your writing projects? Are you desperate to establish a writing habit that truly lasts? If so, today’s podcast is for you! In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, Abbie and I share powerful tips and techniques to help you overcome writing challenges like procrastination and perfectionism. Whe

Episode 125: How to Write a Bestselling Book Blurb
Condensing your perhaps 100k+ word book into a tiny blurb is no easy task! Many writers are intimidated by the idea of narrowing down their book to a mere, brief summery. We have but a moment to capture our readers attention! So what goes into crafting an engaging book blurb? We're breaking that down in this episode, so grab your notebook and lets go!
💬 GET 20% OFF ABBIE'S BOOK BLURB MAST

Episode 124: How to Write a BANGER Opening Hook For Your Story
Are you struggling to create an opening hook that truly grabs your reader's attention? Are you having trouble making your readers care about your characters and their desires? Do you feel like your world-building is getting in the way of your story? In this episode, we're discussing the key elements of a BANGER opening hook. We explore how internal conflict is the most important aspect of

Episode 123: How to write complex and RELATABLE anti-heroes (with story examples)
We often hear the phrase, "Anti-heroes are too good to be 'bad' but too bad to be 'good.'" But there's more to these broody, dark, and irresistible characters. In fact, some pretty distinct features go into crafting an unforgettable (and completely lovable) anti-hero. So if you're writing a character somewhere between a hero and a villain... grab a notebook, and l

Episode 122: How to Write Better Descriptions and Make Your Writing Style Shine
Writing clear and captivating descriptions isn't always as easy as it sounds. We've heard from so many writers who struggle with this complex aspect of the writing process. Descriptions have the potential to immerse us in a story, transport us to new worlds, and introduce us to vivid characters. However, description can sometimes bog down your writing, cause scenes to drag, and overwhelm y

Episode 121: How to Write the END of Your Story and Leave a Lasting Impact on Your Readers
Not sure how to end your story? You want to write an unforgettable ending that will leave a lasting impression on your readers… but how do you pull that off in a powerful way? In today’s podcast, Abbie and I share the most important keys to writing an emotional and satisfying ending for your story. Whether you’re writing a standalone or a series — whether it’s a sweet rom-com or an epic dark fanta

Episode 120: How to Instantly Give Your Characters Internal Conflict
If you've ever read through a manuscript and worried that the internal conflict of your characters is just missing something but you can't quite put your finger on what... this episode is for you. Today, Abbie and I are discussing how to instantly take your character's internal conflict to the next level - without rewriting or heavy edits. So if you're ready, grab a notebook, and l

Episode 119: The Ultimate Guide to Writing SLOW-BURN Romance
Are you struggling to write a slow-burn romance that will make your readers fall in love and hold their interest until the very end? If so, today’s podcast is for you. We’re talking all about how to write BETTER SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. In this episode, Abbie and I are case-studying some of our favorite romances and share our best tips for creating tension, developing chemistry, and crafting addictive p

Episode 118: 6 Cliché Tropes We Love/Hate...and How to Make Them NOT Cliché
Are you afraid that what you're writing has all been done before? Is it too "cliche"? Is it an overused trope? Should you avoid writing tropes, or is there a right way to do it? In this episode, Abbie and I are delving into all things tropes, and answering the question that many writers have been asking themselves as they grapple with their novels: "is my book too cliche?" Grab a notebook and lets

Episode 117: Write a BETTER Epic Fantasy Novel... Debunking Top Myths, and Breaking the Rules
Are you ever overwhelmed by just how much information is out there about how to structure your fantasy world, your magic system, your characters, and your plot? There's a lot of information out there, and it can all be a little daunting. In this episode, Kate and Abbie are speaking from their own experience of fantasy writing to help you simplify, organize, blaze your own trail... and write the fa

Episode 116: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers - And Feel Better Than Ever
Do you struggle as an author with comparing yourself to other writers? That sinking feeling of dread that fills you when you scroll through social media or read articles online... this persistent fear of not being able to succeed as a writer. Do you find yourself facing this battle? If so, you are not alone. All creatives face this challenge, and we are here to support and encourage you. &nb

Episode 115: How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer
Do you struggle with self-doubt as a writer? Do you often wonder if your writing is good enough or if you have what it takes to make your author dreams come true? If so, this podcast is for you. In this episode, Abbie and I share some lifesaving mindset shifts that have helped us to overcome self-doubt and fear of failure when it comes to writing. If you ever struggle with feeling inadequate, we h

Episode 114: Stop Procrastination and Write the Book of Your Dreams
Have you been procrastinating your writing lately? Are you torn between your desire to create and your fear that whatever you write will be total rubbish? If so, this new podcast is for you. Instead of blasting motivational music and muscling through your discomfort, Abbie and I take a holistic approach to overcoming procrastination – by reconnecting with our joy and love for writing. If you feel

Episode 113: How to Accomplish Your Writing Goals in 2023
Ready to make your author dreams come true in 2023? This new podcast is for you! No more procrastinating, putting off that editing project, or convincing yourself you need to "do more research" before you can start writing that new novel you've been dreaming about. It's a new year – time to MAKE IT HAPPEN. In today's podcast, Abbie and I share our top 5 tips for creating attainable goals and stayi

Episode 112: How to Write Better CHARACTER VOICE (with examples)
What are the three key ingredients to writing spot-on character voice? That's the question we're exploring in today's podcast. As writers, we want to build strong, engaging characters that will hook our readers on page one -- and while we want these characters to have transformative journeys and arcs, the one thing we DON'T want is for that character to lose their voice along the way. See, there's

Episode 111: How to Write Better Character Chemistry & Craft ADDICTIVE Relationships
Chemistry: that magic ingredient in a story that makes character relationships feel so darn REAL. What is it about a certain "ship," dynamic duo, or group of friends that makes us fall in love so much we can't shut up about them, need to make fan art & videos, and think about these characters as if they are real people? You can probably think of a few shows, films, and novels that have this ef

Episode 110: How to Write Better INTERNAL CONFLICT
If you’ve been on mine and Abbie’s respective channels, or watched this podcast for any length of time, you know that Abbie and I believe that this ONE ELEMENT is the most important part of telling a good story -- and that is... INTERNAL CONFLICT. Internal conflict is the desire and fear that your character faces within them -- the driving force that will cause them to change and transform through

Episode 109: How to Write the Screenplay of Your Dreams - Turn Your Story Into an Unforgettable Film
Ever dreamed of turning your story idea or novel into a film, but have NO IDEA how to go about screenwriting? Have you ever felt bewildered by all the multifaceted layers to writing a script - like formatting, and what kind of programs to use, or whether or not your even QUALIFIED to write a screenplay if you've only ever written novels? In this episode, Abbie and I are chatting with father/son fi

Episode 108: How to Write a BETTER NOVEL this NaNoWriMo
Tomorrow marks the first day of NaNoWriMo 2022! Who's ready? In this episode, we wanted to provide a burst of insight and helpful tools to arm your for your most fun & successful National Novel Writing Month yet, whether this is your first crack at the challenge, or your 10th. With these basic, easy-to-implement tools and methods, you're sure to hit the ground writing this November. So grab a

EPISODE 107: 3 Keys to Immersive Dialogue (with examples!)
Do you want to write better dialogue? If so, this new podcast is for you. When dialogue is written well, it can take your WIP to new heights, making your story feel vivid and realistic... but when written weakly, dialogue can feel difficult to believe and connect with, and actually distract from the message you are trying to communicate to your reader. In this podcast, we're diving deep into dialo

Episode 106: The 3 KEYS to Writing Lovable SIDE CHARACTERS
Do you want to write unforgettable side characters? If so, this episode is for you. Side characters can often take a backseat to the main story and sometimes feel like filler to simply add to the length of the plot. Sometimes they act as a comic relief or as a side-kick that helps the main character accomplish their goal...but many writers make the mistake of writing side characters that lack inte

EPISODE 105: Become a Successful Indie Author - Prep, Publish, & Market Like a Boss
"How can we keep our community engaged with our content when our book is still not out?"
"How do I know when my book is ready to be published?"
"Is it harder to get in bookstores if I indie publish?"
"How do you plan the process and the steps for publishing for the first time?"
We're answering these questions & MORE in this special Q&A podcast episode. You guys subm

Episode 104: HOW TO CRAFT A MIND BLOWING MAGIC SYSTEM (that feels realer than life)
From wizardry, to spells, to rings of power, to lost prophecies and deep curses, there's something about magic that has collectively captured our hearts as readers and viewers. Well written magic can catapult us into the stratosphere of mystical realms. But how do we achieve a successful, well-built magic system? How can we ensure that our magic system won't "paint us into a corner" or lower the s

Episode 103: How to Write Addictive, Page-Turning Action (And Keep Your Readers up Until 3 AM)
Well written action can be downright addictive. Let's face it: we love watching our characters face their biggest challenges and worst fears. But what is at the CORE of a good action sequence that makes it so addictive? What keeps us watching or reading late into the night? Whether you are writing a high fantasy, a sci-fi, or a contemporary, as a writer it's important to nail this aspect of your s

Episode 102: HOW TO WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW
Have you ever had a book idea that you feel passionate about, but unqualified to write because you just don't know enough about the subject matter? You're not alone. Whether you are writing about someone's unique life experience, tackling a historical fiction, or scribbling a densely scientific space story, it can often be daunting to tackle the research required to make your story shine. In

Episode 101: How to Write Description That Immerses Your Reader
Do you struggle to write descriptions that are short, sharp, and vividly immersive? It's no small task, this thing called "writing" – taking the images and ideas in our mind and painting a picture for your readers. That's why, in today's podcast, Abbie and I share our best advice for writing description (plus a special bonus printable to help you sharpen your prose and strengthen your technique.)

Episode 100: HOW WELL DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER?
Today we're celebrating the 100th episode of the Kate & Abbie Show! For this special centennial episode, Abbie and I will be playing a game: how well do we know each other? We're sisters, best friends, business partners, and co-authors of a forthcoming book series... needless to say, we know each other pretty well. But can we accurately guess the answers to these 11 questions? (Play along by p

Episode 099: How to Prepare for a Writing Retreat From Home
You don't have to book a month long writing retreat at a resort, fancy hotel, or somewhere in the mountains to get some words on the page - you can actually take an extremely easy and effective writing retreat right here, right now, from the comfort of your own home. If you're watching this in real time, Abbie and I invite you to join her month-long, at-home writing retreat this June over on her Y

Episode 098: How to Make Editing Not Suck
Ahhh, the editing process. We often have some mixed emotions at this step in the journey. The "fun creative" part is "over" and now it's all about rewriting, reworking, and trying to make one sentence flow by rewriting it 100 times. :") But we believe that this part of the journey doesn't have to be all bad... in fact, by using some of the tips and guidelines we'll share today, you might actually

Episode 097: 6 Things We Wish We Knew as Teen Writers & Entrepreneurs
Raised in the Vermont mountains by two creative entrepreneur parents, Abbie and I started developing ideas for starting our own businesses at a very young age. You CAN publish as a teen or young adult author and start your writing career - it absolutely can be done. We did it, we learned from a lot of trial and error, and in this episode we want to share some of that indie author entrepreneur wisd

Episode 096: Showing VS Telling – The Golden Rule of Writing, Simplified
Ah, showing vs. telling. As authors, we have all heard this one. It's great advice, but sometimes, it can seem a little hard to figure out. It's often not always clear what exactly constitutes as 'telling', and sometimes it can be difficult to 'show' without bogging down your chapters with too much description. Is it possible to...strike a balance? Abbie and I are here to answer that question in t

Episode 095: When You Feel Like You're Not Making Progress on Your Dreams...
Do you ever feel like you're not making progress on your dreams? Like, no matter what you do, it just kind of feels like your running on a treadmill? If the answer is yes, know that you are NOT alone. Whether you are writing your debut novel, or whether you've been a published author for a long time, whether you're writing a biography or a screenplay, we all experience setbacks and frustrations fr

Episode 094: Can a Plotter and a Pantser Write a Book Together?
Can a plotter and a pantser co-write a book together? That's the question we're tackling in today's podcast. You might not know this, but Abbie and Kate are currently writing a book series together – and their respective writing methods look VERY different. In this episode, they're going to share how to work together as polar opposites and how to leverage your co-author's strengths to create a mas

Episode 093: How to Make Your Character Voice Shine
Are you struggling to give your characters unique voices? Do you feel like all your characters sound the same, or just sound like you? If so, this podcast is for you. In today's episode, authors Kate and Abbie are sharing their BEST TIPS for writing character voice that shines. Immerse your reader in the perspective of your character with these tried-and-true storytelling techniques. Grab a notebo

Episode 092: How to write a FLAWED HERO...that will make your readers fall in love
What causes us to fall head-over-heels in LOVE with a main character? Is it something about their personality, their chemistry with the supporting characters, or how "perfectly heroic" they are? We've asked ourselves this question many, many times, and we believe the answer is just the opposite: it's not about how "perfect" your character is...it's actually about how flawed, human, and relatable y

Episode 091: Break Free From Distraction & Write With Focus - 5 Tips
In the "digital age" of the internet and social media, thousands of things vie for our time and attention, pulling us away from our craft and giving our art the very best we have to offer. It can be difficult to find mental clarity and focus as a creative writer these days, but today Abbie and Kate are going to share 5 tips they personally use in their daily lives that help them to not only write

Episode 090: How to Write Realistic & Captivating Dialogue
Dialogue: the backbone of character interaction and novel structure. It's what grabs a reader and pulls them into your character's world. But sometimes it can be tricky to nail your character's voice in dialogue. Today, authors Kate and Abbie are talking about how to completely NAIL this aspect of your novel. We're talking dialogue today, guys! So grab a notebook, a cup of coffee, and let's go!
Li

Episode 089: How to Brainstorm a Novel (from scratch!)
Wondering what to write next? How to find that story idea that just SPEAKS TO YOUR SOUL at this moment? Or maybe you're trying to choose from a list of "plot bunnies''. Whatever the case, Abbie and Kate have you covered in this episode of the Kate and Abbie Show. Let's explore how to brainstorm book ideas, and write the story of your dreams!
Like this episode? Give us a thumbs up, subscribe, and t

Episode 088: How to Hook Your Readers on Page One – Starting Your Book With a Bang
Hello friends, welcome! Today Abbie and I are breaking down one of the great mysteries of writing: that OPENING HOOK! How do we NAIL it? How to we draw our readers in, and craft a story that is unputdownable? We're breaking down our top advice for writing a captivating opening hook. So grab a notebook, and let's get into this!
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Episode 087: Writing Hacks to Help You Stay Focused on Your WIP
Do you often catch yourself getting distracted when you're trying to write? Don't worry – it happens to the best of us. That's why, in today's podcast, Abbie and Kate are sharing their top favorite hacks for staying laser focused on your writing project. The tips they are sharing today are methods they personally use on a daily basis to stay focused and motivated to write their books. Let's dive i

Episode 086: How to Boost Creativity with Mindfulness
In today's modern "hustle" culture, we can often feel disconnected from our creativity. The internet and newsfeeds offer – and, in fact, encourage – constant distraction. In this podcast, authors Kate and Abbie are discussing a better and more connected way to create... a life and creative process rooted in mindfulness. So take a deep breath, and let's dive in!
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Episode 085: How to Create Conversation About Your Book Launch (for Free)
Do you want to create excitement around your book launch, but you're not sure where to start? Let's face it: nobody likes self-promo or spending a bunch of money on advertising that goes nowhere. That's why, in today's podcast, authors Abbie and Kate are sharing their favorite strategies for building hype around their books without breaking the bank. This episode is loaded with insightful tips and

Episode 084: How We Co-Wrote a Book Together (Start to Finish)
Guess what? Kate and I just finished writing our first book together! We're super excited to reach the finish line for this first draft...and we're looking forward to sharing it with you one day! To celebrate, we wanted to dedicate this episode to our journey co-writing this book together – the highs, the lows, and the lessons we learned along the way. So if you're interested in co-writing a book

Episode 083: How to Publish Your Novel in 2022
Are you ready to make your author dreams come true in 2022 and finally publish that book you've been desperate to share with the world? Whether you're going indie, traditional, or some avenue in between, this new podcast is for you. In this episode, authors Kate and Abbie are sharing their best tips for publishing a novel in 2022 – from finding readers to editing your manuscript to creating conver

Episode 082: How to Get in the Writing Mood (Create a Ritual for Consistent GREAT Writing)
As creative writers, we all LOVE those writing days where time seems to fly past without us even noticing. We are just SO wrapped up in our beautiful little world - we could do this FOREVER. You know what I'm talking about. Call it "writer's high" being "in flow" or finding that state of perfect focus, we all want to access this place on demand: but how do we do that? How do we get into the writin

Episode 081: How to Write Consistently in 2022
Is your goal to become a consistent writer this year? Or perhaps to write that book you've always wanted to write? If so, this podcast is for you. In today's episode, author Kate and Abbie are breaking down how to build an UNBREAKABLE writing habit, how to write consistently, and how to start the book of your dreams in 2022! Ready? Let's dive in.
Like this episode? Give us a thumbs up, subscribe,

Episode 080: 5 Ways to Make Your Villain Terrifyingly Unforgettable
If you want to craft a villain that goes beyond the stereotypical black-cloaked figure laughing in the darkness, this episode is for you. In this special Story Mining episode, we are deep-diving into exactly what makes a villain unforgettable, hair-raising, and downright addictive to your audience. We're using examples from some of our all-time favorite stories, and picking them apart to study exa

Episode 079: 7 Tools That Will Save Your Writing Life
Have you ever wondered which writing tools are actually worth investing in? Which ones will increase your productivity, organization, and ultimately help you improve your writing life? In today's new podcast, authors Kate and Abbie are excited to discuss their top 7 favorite writing tools – how they use them, what they love about them, and why you should give them a try. Grab a cup of tea and let'

Episode 078: How to stay focused on your writing through the holiday season
The holiday season is upon us - things often get hectic this time of year with family, festivities, and more... but that doesn't mean we have to neglect our beloved WIPs! In this episode, authors Abbie and Kate are giving very specific advice for how to stay focused on your writing through this season, and how to also find the nourishment you need to stay creative & inspired! So grab a cup of

Episode 077: Morning Routines for Writers – what we do to stay inspired
Tired of hearing about "millionaire morning routines"? We are right there with you! We are firm believers in starting our mornings in ways that nourish us, but one size does not fit all. In this episode, we've diving into how to create a functional and inspiring morning routine that works for you, and leaves you excited to start writing!
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Episode 076: How to Have Perseverance as a Writer
Starting a book is exciting! We are on a new journey, a new path, with plenty of motivation and drive. But what about when we hit those 'dry' spells, or more mentally taxing parts of writing/editing? What do we do when we lose motivation? Today, we're breaking down how to have grit - how to persevere through the writing process and finish your book strong!
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Episode 075: How to Create the Ultimate Writing Playlist
You asked for it! Today we're breaking down one of our favorite topics: how to build a writing playlist that will instantly inspire you to sit down and write! Kate and I LOVE building playlists because they enhance our writing sessions and help us to visualize scenes, characters, and moods with greater clarity. We're going to give you our best tips and methods for how to build an epic and inspirin

Episode 074: How to use NaNoWriMo to build a regular writing habit
If you're kicking off #NaNoWriMo today... go you! You're already off to a great start with building a writing habit. How? Because it research has shown that it takes around 30 days to establish a habit. In this episode, authors Kate and Abbie are breaking down how we can use NaNoWriMo to establish an unbreakable writing habit that will carry you well into the future. Let's dive in!
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