Teaching Myself to Write Novels
71 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago -Join me, Briauna, along my journey of writing my first novel. I'll share resources I find useful, my ups and downs, my revelations, and I'll try to get better at this podcast thing along the way. My episodes are mostly unfiltered and recorded as I discover and realize new things. Sign up for updates: http://eepurl.com/g1Zj6b About me: http://briaunamariah.com
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Episodes
I Published a Book!
March 30, 2024 19:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBTransitus is now available for order! In this episode, I go over my marketing strategy for the launch of my debut novel. Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631070657 Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/transitus-briauna-mariah/1145029394 Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Another Rewrite, and AI isn't So Helpful (But Kinda Is)
February 03, 2024 18:00 - 24 minutes - 12.1 MBAnother rewrite, another update, and AI isn't so helpful, but still kinda is? Forewarning: I'm out of breath this whole episode. For reasons. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Using AI to help write a novel
December 08, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutes - 12.6 MBYou're probably all interested now in how I've been using AI lately to help me with my novel. Listen to find out more. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Indie Authors and TikTok
July 13, 2023 12:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, I will update you on my current progress between 3 WIP novels, talk about my TikTok journey so far, and recognize the journey of leveling up your "writing craft" is quite difficult. Hope you find this one interesting! And if you want to follow me on TT, find me here: https://www.tiktok.com/@briaunamariah Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http:...
All is Lost Moment, Motivation, and a Complete MS
May 29, 2023 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBAn update on my progress and the last and final part 3 of my editing session with Randy Surles and Laura Graves. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Getting Ready to Query & Randy Surles and Laura Graves Session Pt2
April 23, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBPart 2 is up, by request. Thanks for speaking up and requesting it. 3rd and final part of my editing session will be coming soon. This piece of recorded session with Randy Surles and Laura Graves is preceded by an exciting update! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Writing, Coping with Change, & Mental Health
February 14, 2023 02:00 - 27 minutes - 12 MBStay tuned for my "writing craft" = "pottery" metaphor and my mini-rant on how bad Avatar 2 was (no spoilers). Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lost In The Details: Randy Surles and Laura Graves session
November 25, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.1 MBI'm back! We're back on track and moving along. I had a 2 hour long session with Story Grid editors Randy Surles and Laura Graves after they looked at my manuscript. In this episode, I give a quick update on where things are at and get right into the first 50 minutes of my editing brainstorm session. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/l...
Warning: All Progress Will Be Lost
September 25, 2022 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBI lost 100 pages of editing and it set me back more than 2 months. At the end of the day, art is unpredictable and you have to put one step in front of the other Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Find That Joy and Throw out the Rules
August 14, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBSeriously throw away all the rules. Don't let the rules whisper in your ear that you're doing it wrong. You're doing it right if you've found your rhythm and joy. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Ramble you Probably Shouldn't Listen to
July 21, 2022 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIt really is a ramble, but I'm feeling great and it's what I have - so, enjoy. Or don't. I talk a bit about where I'm at currently, work life balance, the editing process on my 2nd pass at Transitus with my editor, and of course social media IG/Tiktok. If you're curious and you're viewing this after July 30th, check out: @briaunamariah and @wespeakmodels Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/...
Life Happens to Writing and The Creative Process
June 04, 2022 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBLife happens! Stick around for my rant about the locals. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
What do Models Have in Common with Authors?
April 02, 2022 12:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBMy findings on the current market for authors, what to do about the oversaturated market (it has to do with what I also ask my We Speak rep'd models to do!), finding and discovering new genres, and more on my POV/story structure journey. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Worldbuilding and Plot is a Tool for Theme: Randy Surles & Laura Graves Session
March 19, 2022 17:00 - 37 minutes - 23.7 MBLots of of useful info in this one! I've included 30 minutes of a session with Storygrid editors Randy Surles and Laura Graves. The focus of this conversation is all around theme and me figuring out how to enhance storytelling. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Motivation and Threads of Editing
February 08, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBMy editing journey continues! I'm facing obstacles but finding motivation in spite of them, finding time where ever I can to work on my (now various) projects, and still exploring what I like in a book by going outside of my usual genres. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editing with An Editor: An Entirely Foreign Process
January 13, 2022 01:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBToday I talk about Editing. Going from 1st draft to 2nd is one thing. And from 2nd to 3rd... well, I'm just beginning but it's a whole other thing. And hiring an editor to help with this project is a necessary step, and a giant leap of faith. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recap, Self Publishing, And What's Next...
December 16, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBRecap, Self Publishing, And What's Next... Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
'Show Don't Tell' and Other 'Rules'
November 13, 2021 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBHow tips and tricks have changed my entire writing style and what to be aware of in your own writing. At then end I talk about the concepts from and read from the following article: https://theconversation.com/how-did-white-become-a-metaphor-for-all-things-good-140674 Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Slow Progress is Progress
October 25, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBListen to the next session in my "Story Grid with Randy & Laura" installment. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pt 2: Story Grid Session w Randy Surles And Laura Graves
September 23, 2021 01:00 - 54 minutes - 31.4 MBI hope you enjoy my second recorded session with Story Grid editors Randy & Laura, following the first brainstorm session (episode 24, published in July) I had with them. Slow progress is still progress! I found this helpful. You might, too. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Brainspace is Valuable Real Estate
August 22, 2021 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBJust giving you a little update with nuggets of useful info! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Story Grid Brainstorm Session w Randy Surles And Laura Graves
July 28, 2021 01:00 - 48 minutes - 31.5 MBProgress is slow on this next book. I hope you enjoy my recorded session with Story Grid editors Randy & Laura! I have no time & wish I were writing more. But at least I'm writing! (And plotting! Still...) Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Check out Randy Surles here: https://randysurles.com/ Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
My Own Personal Character Arc
July 01, 2021 03:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBToday's podcast features: Allergies. How my queries are going. How my plotting is going (not well). Having my own whole entire personal character arc. Finding my inner artist. Breaking my non-writing streak with 94 words. And how very, very burnt out I am. (: Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Queries, plots, and arcs oh my
May 31, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBSometimes I make a lot of sense. Sometimes I make no sense. You decide. I talk mostly about character arcs in this episode as I try to make sense of them myself. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bare Minimum Editing
April 25, 2021 23:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBI think this one is actually pretty useful, especially if you need permission to be lazy with your edits. Stick around for the bonus update (from today, April 25th) at the end. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Using a synopsis to come up with ideas
March 12, 2021 19:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBRecorded this right after I posted the last one. I talk about aliens :) Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beginning to End
February 23, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBTook me a minute to make this live! Thanks for listening. I can't guarantee consistency of these episodes but I do plan to keep going! (with writing and with the podcast) I mention Margie Lawson in this episode. Check her out here: margielawson.com Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Break The Rules
January 06, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBGive yourself to permission to break/change/amend whatever rules you want. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Developmental Editing Chat w/ Jenn Windrow
December 29, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBCheck out Jenn here: https://jennwindrow.com/ Margie Lawson references here: https://www.margielawson.com/ Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Answering Questions
December 13, 2020 20:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBForget backstory. CONTEXT is everything. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Stop Rushing
December 06, 2020 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBJust an update on where I'm at post-nano and a new word I invented. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NaNo: Captain's Log
November 27, 2020 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBWelp, that was interesting. Given the date of this episode, you can safely assume I did not complete NaNo. But I did not fail at it. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Do Anything
November 15, 2020 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBI have a backlog of episodes because of computer issues, so enjoy! I'm trying to be Tony Robbins in this episode & hardly talk about writing, but I think you'll get something out of it! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Argument for a Cruddy Draft
November 12, 2020 21:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBI have a backlog of episodes because of computer issues, so enjoy! I've decided to be a crazy work-a-holic (nothing new there) and try NaNoWriMo for the first draft of the next book I plan to write - while still completing and polishing my first book, Transitus. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How to Conceal a Surprise
November 06, 2020 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBRecorded pre-US election: As I re-read the Harry Potter books, I found a pretty cool thing Rowling did to conceal a surprise in book 3. Somehow, I managed to imitate that structure. I blame it on my "muse" (ie, completely accidental) but hopefully telling you about it helps you in some way! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/license...
Writing Weaknesses
November 01, 2020 11:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBComparing ourselves to other writers' journeys can be fun... until it's not. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Stuck? Rethink Story Structure
October 26, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSome audio issues mostly in the beginning - sorry! Tis' the life of a multitasker. Almost lost this morning's writing (but didn't! *phew*) Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Flashdrive Flashback
October 22, 2020 02:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBMy mom sent me a flashdrive with my cruddy first (middle schooler) attempt at a book on it and it saved me from today's writers block. (Saved, as in, got me to procrastinate). Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The class I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
I Am Not Ripping Off Avatar 2
October 11, 2020 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBI am racing the release of James Cameron's Avatar 2. Thank you 2020 for delaying the long awaited movie once again. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The class I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
"The Craft"
October 06, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 19.9 MBDoes anyone else hate every time someone says "the craft"? I do. But I keep saying it. And I'm probably not going to stop. What else am I supposed to say? Also - sorry about the audio in the second half of this one! I stopped for a video and then forgot to pic up the mic from my jacket. Oops. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources/classes I mention in this episode can be found at: www.MargieLawson.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://inco...
Insert Title Here (Error)
September 23, 2020 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBI was being lazy with the title. Honestly, I'm overworked and my creative energy has been expended. So really, it's the best title possible for this one. The struggle is real right now! Listen to me rant about stress and discuss the process of how I wrote a recent opening passage of mine. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources I mention in this episode can be found at: MargieLawson.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic....
Is Editing Fun?
September 10, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBApparently it is! And my life is a roller coaster. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b The resources I mention in this episode can be found at: MargieLawson.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adjustment Period
September 03, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBI hate everything. But I will get through this! Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Failure Does Not Exist
August 28, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBWinded, but (maybe a little too) inspired, I've been going on meditative walks & runs to help me with this editing phase. Oh, also: failure does not exist. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editing Begins
August 19, 2020 16:00 - 48 minutes - 31.6 MBOpening up with a deep discussion on next steps with Lisa of Heart Ally Books (my lovely mother-in-law). She is also deeply involved with Margie Lawson's Writers Academy. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b MLWA: https://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy Heary Ally Books: https://heartallybooks.com Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Art of Storytelling
August 12, 2020 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBSome things I keep in mind when as plotting out my novels (and what I've learned from Story Grid). Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How to Write A Book Series
August 02, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBToday I talk about my lull before I begin the editing process on my first ever novel. I've been spending time working on my book series I plan to write next! (There’s a spoiler) Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transitus Checkpoint
July 29, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBDraft "Zero" is complete! Where am I going next? Here's what's new (and old) on this journey of mine. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Media Anonymous
July 24, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBHow to kick social media (ahem Facebook) in the butt. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How to Become An Overnight Success
July 18, 2020 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBSpoiler alert: you might not like the answer. Sign up for book updates: eepurl.com/g1Zj6b Opening Music: Airport Lounge by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3347-airport-lounge License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0