What makes narrative nonfiction so powerful? In this episode of Reality Coaching for Writers, we talk with published author, Craig von Buseck about his newest book, Telling the Truth: How to Write Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, and how science backs up the fact humans are wired to respond to stories. #nonfiction #writer #storytelling

Key Points in this Episode

• Craig mentioned the importance of “gravitas” in storytelling and encouraged writers to consider the weightiness of their stories.
• The conversation delved into historical events, such as the Balfour Declaration and the role of key figures like David Lloyd George, Arthur Balfour, and Winston Churchill in shaping the history of Israel.
• The discussion highlighted the significance of storytelling and how it helps people find meaning and wisdom in their lives.
• Mirror neurons were mentioned, indicating that our brains are wired for stories, and stories help us learn and make meaning in our lives.
• The importance of simplicity in storytelling and focusing on the highlights rather than getting mired in minutiae was discussed.
• The conversation touched on the challenges of selling memoirs in the Christian market, where there is a preference for God-centered stories over personal ones.
• Craig mentioned the need to incorporate fictional techniques of plotting and structure into non-fiction storytelling to engage readers effectively.
• The importance of excellence in writing, especially when bearing the name of Christ, was emphasized.
• Overall, the discussion centered on the power of storytelling, the need for simplicity, and the role of structure and excellence in writing.

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out:
https://writerscoach.us

A great conversation with Zena Dell Lowe on how to ensure your character is actively driving the action in your story.

Key Writing Tips for You to Consider

• The solution to every story problem starts with awakening your passive character. Active characters should be the ones making decisions, picking paths, and driving the action of the story.
• Active characters should have something to lose. Every choice they make should increase the stakes in the story and leave your character with a greater risk of loss.
• Your main character should be observant and notice things in her surroundings and with the characters around her.
• Your main character should recruit allies and put together a team to accomplish their goals.
• Active characters influence the events of the world, even if they are not in charge. If your character is not in charge in the scene, find a way to give them the microphone so they are in charge.
• Your main character should have a super power.
• When your main character faces challenges, have him or her seek inspiration and support from other characters in your story. However, remember that your main character should ultimately be the one to figure out the next steps or solutions, taking the lead in the narrative.
• Ensure that each scene in your story has an emotional shift before cutting away to another part of the plot. This emotional progression is essential for making scene transitions effective and engaging for your readers.

Zena will be teaching a class at the Florida Christian Writers Conference, covering topics like story structure, character development, and visual images adapted for fiction writers. She offers valuable insights into storytelling, drawing from her experience as a screenwriter, producer, and actor. Zena’s teaching approach helps writers understand and apply key storytelling principles.

For more info on Zena Dell Lowe check out: https://www.thestorytellersmission.com/

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out:

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How do you pitch to podcasters? With over 464 million podcasts out there, have you ever considered pitching yourself, your idea, or a great discussion question to podcasters? Join Eddie and Diana on Reality Coaching for Writers today as they discuss the how-to and benefits of creating such a pitch. #RealityCoachingforWriters #writerscommunity #writer #podcastlife #podcast

How to Pitch to Podcasters

With over 464 million podcasts out there, have you ever considered pitching yourself, your idea, or a great discussion question to podcasters? Join Eddie and Diana on Reality Coaching for Writers today as they discuss the how-to and benefits of creating such a pitch. #RealityCoachingforWriters #writerscommunity #writer #podcastlife #podcast

Summary of the Key Points in this Podcast

We recently came across an article on Jane Friedman’s website by Amy Bernstein. She listed some ways to add to your book launch theme, but let’s also think about building our platform and getting the word out. There are 4,647 million podcasts. Not everyone will want to hear from Eddie Jones or Diana Flegal, but within that vast number, there are many that we could pitch our book projects or our area of expertise to.

So, when you’re pitching, you’re writing a pitch letter or email, similar to pitching an agent or editor at a publishing house. First, pick a podcaster whose audience would be interested in what you have to offer. Address what you want to discuss, and make it clear what you can bring to the table. Acknowledge their audience’s interests, and mention your expertise.

Describe your brand succinctly, without rambling. Mention that you’d be willing to discuss broader topics. Once you get your basic pitch letter down, you can tailor it to specific podcast guidelines.

As for other things, think about what else you can talk about within your expertise. Keep your pitches concise, and don’t pitch yourself as just selling a book. Pitch an idea or a great question that would be fun to explore.

Remember, podcasting is an excellent way to share your knowledge and connect with new audiences, and it’s a wide-open market. So, make the most of it and get your message out there.

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out:
https://writerscoach.us

Curious about all the things a book launch entails? Join us today on #realitycoachingforwriters today as we celebrate Eddie’s newest books release and all he has done (with the help of Tammy Karasek launchteamgeek@gmail.com ) to create a successful book launch. #booklaunchsecrets

Here are some of the things we covered in today’s episode:

* Announce that today is launch day
* Thank your followers
* Send reminders about signings, interviews, blog post appearances this day and follow days
* Email launch team and ask for reviews
* Email influencers and remind them to mention your book today
* Repost social media posts from others with “thank you!’
* Announce winners of giveaways
* Update social media headers with book cover and where to buy
* Double check distribution and price at online resellers
* Change any previous text that said “pre-order” with ON SALE NOW!
* Post any blog posts announcing your book’s release
* SHOW UP for media appearances!
* 1-3 posts on each platform, on release day, could do 1 in morning, noon and night. Make each post different, something different about the book, but same post can be shared at same time of day across platforms
* Join groups on your platforms and share your posts to your groups—some require self-promotion on one day of week, fyi.
* Create an interactive post, can provide fun facts or ask questions, then want to learn more? read this book…
* Follow and share posts made about your book by launch team, publishers, reviewers
* Trying to make people think about your book more, way to get word of mouth engagement is sharing and posting.
* Author live event on Facebook or platform of choice
* Offer to read out loud a passage from the book.

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out:
https://writerscoach.us