Writer in the Making
375 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsThe ultimate podcast for aspiring authors. Join me as I delve into the world of writing, providing invaluable timesaving techniques, expert writing tips, and unwavering support. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes journey of my own writing, gaining insights along the way. I've featured Kindlepreneur's Dave Chesson, Shortcuts for Writers Stacy Juba, Plottr's Troy Lambert, and USA Today Best-Selling Author Rachael Bloome. With almost 400 episodes in 20 plus countries, get top writing resources today!
Author Info https://linktr.ee/dariawhite
No Time Writer https://linktr.ee/notimewriter
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Episodes
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
December 23, 2019 17:30 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBWishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Enjoy your family and friends. Be blessed!
Character wounds
December 18, 2019 14:00 - 7 minutes - 6.9 MBHow do you choose a wound that best suits your character? How do you know it’s them? Will it fit in the story?
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 3)
December 11, 2019 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.77 MBWe made it! We’re in act three of The Princess Bride (1987) film using the Save the Cat Beat sheet. Never forget that endings are just as important as the beginnings. Learn how to bring your stories to a satisfying climax! savethecat.com is mentioned in this episode.
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 2)
December 04, 2019 18:08 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBWe’re in act two of The Princess Bride (1987) film using the Save the Cat beat sheets. The middle is roughly fifty percent of your book. No one wants a “saggy” middle. Have a listen.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28, 2019 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.09 MBIt’s the holidays already? Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you enjoy the holiday with you and yours.
Save the Cat—The Princess Bride (Act 1)
November 26, 2019 17:42 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBI’m going through the beats of The Princess Bride (1987 film) using the Save the Cat beat sheet. I hope this will help authors even more as they plot their novels. savannahgilbo.com and Blake Synder’s Save the Cat are mentioned in this episode.
Romance Rehab
November 20, 2019 18:00 - 5 minutes - 5.41 MBThanks to fellow authors, I’ve discovered Romance Rehab. Not does this site offer book reviews, but it includes help with your book blurbs. Have a listen in case you didn’t know! romancerehab.com is mentioned in this episode.
Pep Talk—The Dripping Faucet
November 15, 2019 17:23 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MBI haven’t been able to actually write my story until now. Here’s some encouragement for us all. Keep going writers! The words will come.
New Novella!
November 13, 2019 16:10 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MBIn between writing my novels, I’m working on short stories and novellas. This one here is a new novella I hope to have in time for Christmas. Christmas Connection soon!
Plotting Your Novel—Save the Cat
November 06, 2019 20:11 - 13 minutes - 12 MBI’ve recently been using Save the Cat to help plot my work. Learn all 15 beats here! Do you need all 15 beats? Not necessarily, but at least you have a system to follow. Savannah Gilbo’s “How to Plot a Novel with the Save the Cat Sheet” and YouTube video “Breaking Down Plot Structure: Save the Cat” by Reedsy are mentioned in this episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8FNu_J4aTY
Don’t be afraid to take risks
October 31, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.66 MBWhen writing Christmas Therapy, I struggled with raising the stakes with my characters. I didn’t want the worst to happen to them, but that led to readers calling my work predictable. So... what was my solution to this? After participating in the romance writer’s summit, my decision to raise the stakes was reaffirmed. Was it worth it?
Revising some more
October 29, 2019 18:08 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBRound two of revisions are underway for Christmas Therapy! I haven’t set a release date as of yet, but it’ll be announced soon. So excited for this story!
Are you doing Camp Nano?
October 23, 2019 15:47 - 7 minutes - 6.94 MBNational Novel Writing Month is almost here! Are you ready? Am I ready? Have a listen.
Romance Summit Takeaway
October 18, 2019 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MBIf you’ve been keeping with the Romance Summit this week, you’ve been learning different ways to craft your stories better. What was a takeaway for me? Have a listen.
Romance Writers Craft Summit
October 15, 2019 14:18 - 4 minutes - 4.14 MBI signed up recently for the Romance Writers Craft Summit. This week videos are live and taught by experts from world building to creating tension for your stories. Have you signed up? www.romancewriterssummit.com is mentioned in this episode.
First Round of Revisions
October 10, 2019 15:57 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBFinally the first round of revisions are done! I’ve sent Christmas Therapy to my critique partner! How do I feel? Have a listen.
More Writer’s Guides
October 01, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 7.3 MBRecently I have discovered a guide that helped me in writing sweet romance. Victorine E. Lieske’s How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel. Have a listen.
Hallmark Review—An Unforgettable Christmas
September 30, 2019 15:55 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBI have another book review! An Unforgettable Christmas by Ginny Baird is a available now! Check out my review for Hallmark Publishing on my blog dariawhite.com, Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble! I enjoyed it and I hope you do too!
We’re Close
September 27, 2019 19:30 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBSometimes it feels like revisions will never be over! Well, I’ve been in the revision cave all month. I have 14 scenes left to revise! Christmas Therapy is coming soon!
Hallmark Review—A Royal Christmas Wish
September 24, 2019 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MBHave you read A Royal Christmas Wish by Lizzie Shane? I had the privilege of reading this book for Hallmark and I loved it! Check out my review at Amazon, Goodreads, my blog dariawhite.com, and Barnes and Noble! Amazing read! Enjoy!
Reader Magnet?
September 20, 2019 13:00 - 6 minutes - 6.13 MBIs a reader magnet necessary? As I build my newsletter, now almost 700 subscribers, did a reader magnet make a difference? For me, yes! Whether it’s a short story, novella, or even a full length novel, have something for readers to take a chance on you. It’ll be worth it in the long run.
Hallmark Review—A Gingerbread Romance
September 18, 2019 13:00 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBI have another review for Hallmark; A Gingerbread Romance by Lacey Baker! This was a Christmas movie that aired last year starring Tia Mowry. Hallmark Publishing turned it into a book so I was excited for the chance to review it! My review will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble!
Hallmark Review—Out of the Picture
September 13, 2019 13:15 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBLooking for a cozy mystery? I recently reviewed Tracy Gardner’s Out of the Picture from Hallmark Publishing. Check out my review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and my blog at dariawhite.com
Revising (Part 5)
September 11, 2019 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.93 MB“Elements of setting: How to create a vivid world” at nownovel.com/blog is mentioned in this episode. Learn how to paint the picture into your novel with words. Having a hard time with descriptions? Establishing settings? Have a listen.
Revising (Part 4)
September 06, 2019 15:15 - 4 minutes - 4.54 MBWhere is your scene happening? Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi’s “Urban and Rural Thesaurus” guides and onestopforwriters.com are mentioned in this episode.
In case you were wondering
September 05, 2019 14:59 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBA lot happening, but things are going well. Wish for Love releases September 14th and Christmas Therapy has a cover! Wow!
Pep Talk—Your Writer’s Voice
September 02, 2019 12:47 - 7 minutes - 6.77 MBThis is the second topic you all chose. Thanks writing community! Your writer’s voice is essential. Why? It’s what makes your writing unique. How do you find it? Have a listen.
Thanks for the support!
September 02, 2019 12:47 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBI’ll be celebrating my birthday tomorrow, August 31st, but I wanted to take the time to think you all. I’m grateful for your support of this podcast an my work. There’s more to come!
Pep Talk—Consistency
August 29, 2019 18:06 - 9 minutes - 9.04 MBThis is one of the two topics that won the vote! Thanks writing community. So... how do you stay consistent? Let’s see how we can tackle this one together.
Revising (Part 3)
August 27, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 6.79 MBWhat have I learned so far as I revise? So far I’m fifteen percent into the process, but I can tell a few things already. Have a listen and I’ll share.
Take Your Time
August 24, 2019 04:18 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MBAs I revise, I’m tempted to want to rush through the process and get it done. Anyone else feel this way? My advice for us all, is take your time. **Due to a technical glitch this episode was deleted and uploaded again.**
Revising (Part 2)
August 22, 2019 13:00 - 10 minutes - 9.36 MB“Save the Cat!” Never used it until now but it’s coming in handy. What does this have to do with revising? Sometimes we have to backtrack when writing. Now that your book is written, can you highlight the key scenes. Save the Cat by Blake Synder and Reedsy are mentioned in this episode.
Revising (Part 1)
August 20, 2019 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.68 MBI’m revising and can’t wait to share my first tip with you all! Do you have to use what I use? No, but I will share nonetheless. You’re revising! Great, but where do you start? Why not start with your key scenes (hook, inciting incident, 1st plot point, middle, etc.)? fictionary.co is mentioned in this episode.
Read any good books lately?
August 16, 2019 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBI love reading! There’s no stopping it. Looking for something to read? Check out The Color of God’s Eyes by Christina Barr and Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa by Nancy Naigle.
Tips for your Book launch
August 12, 2019 13:00 - 5 minutes - 5.42 MBNow that I’ve held a book launch, any tips? What are some best practices in my opinion? This is only what I did. Looking for any more suggestions, I suggest you search it out and find what works best for you.
It’s Okay
August 09, 2019 15:02 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBHave I started the revising process? No. I’m taking a break. Guess what? It’s okay.
Bookfunnel
August 06, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 7.09 MBLooking to grow your mailing list? I’ve recently signed up for Bookfunnel. Have a listen and hear how you can use it to grow your readership. bookfunnel.com is mentioned in this episode.
Celebrate where you are
August 02, 2019 16:59 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MBWhether you finished for camp nano or on your own timeline, you wrote a book! That’s an accomplishment! Celebrate where you are. I am.
Camp is over! How did you do?
August 01, 2019 14:25 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MBCamp nano is over! How did you do? Whether you met your original goal or not, did you write? How do I feel about 70K instead of my orginal 90k? Have a listen.
The Final Countdown
July 30, 2019 14:30 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBOne more day for Camp Nano! How am I doing still? Have a listen.
The Home Stretch
July 26, 2019 16:29 - 5 minutes - 4.64 MBThis week has been super busy so here’s an update on my work in progress. I hope you all are still pushing to finish your goal. We’re in the home stretch. There’s also an announcement I have, so tune in to listen!
Camp Nano—Hitting the Wall
July 23, 2019 16:14 - 6 minutes - 5.69 MBLast full week of camp nano. I’m nearly 20k away from finishing but it hasn’t been easy. Ever heard of hitting the wall? This phrase is common among runners right before they hit the finish line in a race. This “wall” technically doesn’t exist, but it can play on the mind to where most give up and don’t finish. I’m seeing the same with writing but staying the course is key. Have a listen.
Pep Talk—The Comparison Game (2)
July 19, 2019 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MBI wanted to do a follow up on the Comparison Game episode. I recently painted a picture this week, and it made me think about what we face as writers. What did I learn? Paint your picture; write your story.
Writing Dialogue
July 19, 2019 13:00 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBIt’s one of my favorite things to write, dialogue. It comes natural to me to write a conversation. So... how do you do that? How do you write strong dialogue? “How to Write Dialogue: 6 Tips for Writing Powerful Dialogue” at thinkwritten.com is mentioned in this episode.
Plot Twists
July 18, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MBMy work in progress for camp nano is coming along. So much so, I wrote a plot twist! How do you write them into your story? Which ones fit best? “10 Simple Tips for Writing Clever Plot Twists” at writersedit.com is mentioned in this episode.
Camp Nano Week 2 progress—12K!
July 16, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 6.49 MBTo keep you posted, here’s my process from week 2. I didn’t realize how much I wrote until I checked this past Friday. 12K? I’m still stoked!
Pep Talk—The Comparison Game
July 12, 2019 15:11 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBThanks writing community for voting! We’ve been waiting for this topic for a while and I believe it’s long overdue. Should you compare yourself to another writer? I’ve struggled with this too so you’re not alone. What helps me? Have a listen and I hope it encourages you.
Camp Nano—Freedom with my Outline
July 09, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.42 MBI wrote a little over 10K during my first week of camp. How? I have found that there is freedom using my outline. I used to think the opposite, and an outline would put my story in box with no room. I was wrong.
Thank you—Match-Made Christmas!
July 08, 2019 15:36 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MBThank you all who supported Match-Made Christmas’ launch!
Book Launch Time!!!
July 05, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.93 MBMatch-Made Christmas is available tomorrow so check your favorite retailers! To celebrate the launch, I have a surprise! As a treat, here are some book launch tips from some amazing people in the writing community! Give them a follow and show your support! Special thanks to Sadie Chelsea, Rachael Bloome, Valencia Stokes, Rebecca Reddell, Emelia Hebert, and Elira Barnes!