Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #98 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Julie Evelyn Joyce.

Julie is an award-winning author and a proud Canuck. When she’s not writing quirky and witty romances, she spends her time molding young minds, playing sports, singing karaoke, juggling, and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. Sometimes simultaneously. She’s also in hot pursuit of her own happily ever after, and anxiously awaits the day serial dating becomes an Olympic event. Her debut novel, Steeped in Love, has received glowing reviews and is the winner of the 2019 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize in romance.

During our discussion, Julie describes:

• How she got her start as an author by writing Gilmour Girls fanfiction
• The important role her mother played in supporting her writing career
• The crossroads she came to after the traditional publisher she had been working with disbanded
• The vast and supportive community she discovered in the world of indie publishing
• Her experiences teaching fiction writing to high school students
• What it was like winning the 2019 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize
• How writing and teacher access two different aspects of her personality
• And much more!

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Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #97 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author Jennifer Blanchard.

Jennifer Blanchard is a best-selling author, a screenwriter, a Developmental Book Editor and the Writing Industry’s Mindset Coach. It’s her mission in life to change the way people think and challenge what they believe is possible. Her screenplay, “The Rules,” placed as a Semi-Finalist in the Stage32 Rom-Com Script Contest in 2019. She previously in episode 77 of The Writing Coach and was an expert speaker at The Writer’s Craft Summit.

During our discussion, Rea describes:

• Why she loves teaching story structure in particular
• How her novel-writing craft knowledge has helped launch her screenwriting career
• Why an understanding of fundamental writer’s craft techniques is essential to the success of authors
• How her workshop Write Your Damn Story got started almost a decade ago, how it has evolved over the years, and what workshop attendees can expect when they enroll this month
• And much more!

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In episode #96 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author Rea Frey. With a degree in creative writing from Columbia and six traditionally published books under her belt, Rea has helped hundreds of clients refine, hone, and craft their own ideas into full-fledged books. Whether it’s working on a book proposal to sell to a publisher, ghostwriting a memoir, or consulting on a great idea, Rea’s fifteen years in the publishing industry will clarify the message, mission, audience, and ultimately help find a home for a client’s work. During our discussion, Rea describes: - How she balances a busy writing schedule with homeschooling her daughter - What it was like studying creative writing in an academic environment - Why her early books not being as successful as she would have liked helped set her up for success later in her career - What is was like optioning the rights to adapt her novel to Argent Pictures and then being hired to write the pilot episode of the series - How she helps authors craft incredible book proposals that land them big publishing deals - And much more! For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com

In episode #95 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author and book marketing expert Amy Collins.

Amy is the President of New Shelves Books, one of the largest book sales and marketing content providers in the US. She is a USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL bestselling author and as a former Book Buyer for a chain of bookstores in New York and Sales Director for a large publishing company, she has spent her career working with Barnes & Noble, Target, Costco, Books-A-Million, Wal-Mart, and is a trusted expert, speaker, and recommended sales consultant for some of the largest book and library retailers and wholesalers in the publishing industry.

In the last 20 years, Amy and her team have sold over 40 Million books into the bookstore, library, and Chain store market for small and midsized publishers. She is on the national advisory board for IngramSpark, is a board member of Author U, a featured columnist for THEBOOKDESIGNER, BookWorks, IBPA, and a trusted teacher in the world of small press publishers.  

She has taught and spoken at many of the publishing industry’s top festivals and conferences including Publisher’s Weekly’s BookCon, Oklahoma Writer’s Conference, Author U, AAPS, Dublin Writers Conference, BAIPA, PALA, St. Louis Writer’s Conference, Writers Digest indieLAB, Henderson Writers Conference, and many others.

When not in the office, her focus is on the working poor and poverty elimination, and she spends a great deal of time personally and professionally working with and training women from disadvantaged backgrounds.  A member of several charitable and political organizations, she donates not only her time, but a portion of her company’s profits to grant based charities that work to alleviate the cycle of poverty.

During our discussion, Amy describes:

• Why there are so many talented authors, but only a handful of successful authors
• How getting a job at a book store led to her 30-year career in publishing
• The role book buyers play at brick and mortar book stores
• Why not every idea needs to become a book
• The one thing she does every day to build her audience
• Her top tips for what authors need to do to find their audience
• And much more!

Listen now!

In episode #94 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author Fred Waitzkin.

Fred was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1943. When he was a teenager he wavered between wanting to spend his life as a fisherman, Afro Cuban drummer, or novelist. He went to Kenyon College and did graduate study at New York University.

His work has appeared in Esquire, New York magazine, the New York Times Sunday Magazine, the New York Times Book Review, Outside, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, the Huffington Post, and the Daily Beast, among other publications. His memoir, Searching for Bobby Fischer, was made into a major motion picture released in 1993. His other books are Mortal Games, The Last Marlin, The Dream Merchant, and Deep Water Blues. Recently, he has completed an original screenplay, The Rave.

Waitzkin lives in Manhattan with his wife, Bonnie, and has two children, Josh and Katya, and two grandsons, Jack and Charlie. He spends as much time as possible on the bridge of his old boat, The Ebb Tide, trolling baits off distant islands with his family.

During our discussion, Fred describes:

• Where he finds the ideas for his stories
• How he views the unique relationship between fiction and non-fiction
• What his daily writing process looks like
• How having his memoir adapted into a hit Hollywood film impacted his life and his writing
• His approach to mentoring writers
• How a coaching experience led to a breakthrough in the writing of his latest book, Deep Water Blues
• And much more!

For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com

In episode #93 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with graphic recorder, Kit Irwin.

Kit creates visual representations of live events in real time to make meetings more effective, presentations more memorable, and participants more engaged. Her short stories have been published online, in literary magazines, and in anthologies, such as Flash Fiction Forward. She also creates visual bios for solo entrepreneurs to tell their story on their website’s About Us page.

Link to my website http://TheVisionScribe.com

During our discussion, Kit describes:

• What the work of a graphic recorder entails
• The role metaphor plays in the creation of her sketchnotes
• How a Master’s degree in Critical and Creative Thinking have benefited her career
• Why her desire to make e-learning less boring led to her work as a graphic recorder
• Her number one tip on  making the leap into a career in creative work
• The non-linear nature of graphic communication
• And much more!

For full how notes visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #92 of The Writing Coach podcast, I discuss why sometimes the most creative periods in our lives look and sound like silence to outside observers.

In episode #91 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Jennifer Louden.

Jennifer Louden is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first best-selling book The Woman’s Comfort Book. Since then, she’s written six additional books on well-being and whole living, with a million copies of her books in print in nine languages.

Jennifer has spoken around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has written a national magazine column for Martha Stewart magazine. Plus, she’s been profiled or quoted in dozens of major magazines, two of Brené Brown’s books Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead, appeared on hundreds of TV, radio shows and podcasts, and even on Oprah.

Jennifer has been teaching women’s writing and self-care retreats and creative writing workshops since 1992 and creating vibrant online communities and innovative learning experiences since 2000.

During our conversation, Jennifer describes:

• How a time of great desperation, unhappiness, and depression ultimately launched her career as a successful author
• The danger of wrapping up your entire self-worth in your writing
• The importance of self-care and why she rejects the notion that artists must be tortured souls
• What aspects of writing she struggles with and how she overcomes challenges in her writing
• Three things you need to know before you start writing
• What differentiates successful writers from those who fizzle out
• Why she thinks being a writer is the coolest calling in the world
• And much more!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #90 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Chad Allen.

Chad Allen is a writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. A 20-year publishing professional, he has worked with many bestselling authors and is creator of Book Proposal Academy, an online course, and BookCamp, a mentoring and community hub for writers. His passion is helping writers get their books into the world, and he blogs athttp://www.chadrallen.com/.

During our conversation, Chad describes:

• How his passion for the writing of C.S. Lewis led to a career in publishing
• Why he feels called to help writers
• How his blog served as the launching pad for his coaching business
• The origins of his Book Proposal Academy
• Why coaching feels like it is the thing he was born to do
• And much more!

In episode #88 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Barbara Kyle.

Barbara is the author of the acclaimed Thornleigh Saga, a seven-book series of historical novels set in Tudor England (“Riveting Tudor drama” – USA Today) and of contemporary thrillers, three under pen-name Stephen Kyle, including Beyond Recall, a Literary Guild Selection. Her latest novel is The Traitor’s Daughter. Over half a million copies of her books have been sold in seven countries.

Barbara has taught writers at the University of Toronto and is a popular guest presenter at international writers’ conferences. Before becoming an author Barbara enjoyed a 20-year acting career in television, film, and stage productions in Canada and the U.S.

Through her master classes, online programs, and manuscript evaluations, Barbara’s mentoring has launched many writers to published success, including bestselling mystery author Robert Rotenberg, award-winning historical novelists Cryssa Bazos and Bruce Gardner, debut novelist Christine Higdon, urban fantasy writer T.K. Thorne, and Steven T. Wax for his award-winning memoir. 

During our conversation, Barbara describes:

• Why her career as an actress on stage, television, and film was fantastic training for her career as a novelist
• The importance of knowing your protagonist’s objective
• How winning a short story competition from the local library association gave her the confidence to pursue novel writing
• Why she chose to set her series in Tudor era England
• The important role mentors have played in her life and what she learned from them
• To what she attributes her half a millions books sold
• And much more!

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In episode #87 of The Writing Coach Podcast, host Kevin T. Johns revisits the Christmas episode of his old podcast, Write Along Radio.

For full show notes for this episode, visit http://www.kevintjohns.com

In episode #86 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Sally McGraw

Sally McGraw is a savvy and versatile ghostwriter, editor, and copywriter with more than 15 years of professional experience. She’s written for newspapers, blogs, magazines, newsletters, and websites, slowly building a resume that she hopes will impress the pants off of you. She’s written three non-fiction books under her own name, and ghostwritten a dozen more. Her articles have been featured on the Huffington Post and About.com, her blog has been highlighted by Marie Claire and Glamour, she’s a contributing editor at Adios Barbie, and her marketing and entrepreneurial advice has appeared on the GoDaddy blog. She firmly believes she has the best job in the known universe, and loves helping her clients craft expressive artist statements, laugh-out-loud posts, in-depth articles, and heart-rending books.

During our conversation, Sally describes:

• How she built a massively successful blog about fashion and body image
• Why she transitioned from the fashion world into ghostwriting and editing
• Her candid thoughts on people wearing cargo shorts to the Opera
• Why she finds ghostwriting memoirs particularly challenging
• The reason a client once described her as “a personal decoder ring”
• Why she is passionate about empowering women in business
• Her experience teaching a CreativeLive course that was viewed by over 7,000 writers
• And much more!

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Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #84 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Elizabeth Atkins and Catherine M. Greenspan.

Elizabeth is a best-selling author, actress, TV host and award-winning journalist who uses a multimedia platform to inspire people to unlock their infinite potential and live with passion, prosperity, health, and happiness. Elizabeth has written more than 20 books.

Catherine created the first-ever series of young adult novels featuring a biracial girl. The Veronica Series follows the 14-year-old girl along a tricky terrain of friends, boys, school, and family in a race-obsessed world.

Together, Catherine and Elizabeth are the siblings behind Two Sisters Writing and Publishing, where they publish meaningful books by authors of color, women writers, and those who celebrate diversity through their stories and characters.

During our discussion, Catherine and Elizabeth describe:

• How their father's journaling habit influenced their lives and approach to writing
• Why they becAme writing coaches, ghostwriters, and eventually publishers
• How their Power Journaling program combines journaling with meditation to help by-pass writers' inner critics
• Why it's important now more than ever to promote diverse voices IN the book world and how independent publishers can step up to plate
• How Elizabeth came to co-write a book with Billy Dee Williams of Star Wars fame
• And much more!

Click below to listen now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #83 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Blaine Bradshaw.

Blaine is a freelance editor with 10 years experience that started in the Army. While initially his scope was limited to geographic reports and briefings he expanded to novels and opened Superior Story in 2014. Over the years he has worked with dozens of writers to develop compelling stories while maintaining their unique voice.

During our discussion, Michelle describes:

• Why a single typo led to him having to do 1000 pushup
• How he stumbled upon a vibrant writing community on the Deviant Art platform
• Why his experience with a factory-style editing service ultimately led to his personalized approach to working with writers
• The complexity involved in defining different types of editing
• The role empathy plays in the editing process
• And much more!

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Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #82 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Michelle Cornish.

Michelle is a mom, author, illustrator, and former accountant on a mission to prove accountants are just as exciting as lawyers. After spending almost 20 years in the public accounting industry, Michelle sold her accounting practice to spend more time with her family and pursue her dream of writing. In 2017, she published Keep More Money, a guide to help business owners find a trustworthy accountant. Her debut financial crime thriller Murder Audit will be released on October 31, 2018, and is available for pre-order now. 

During our discussion, Michelle describes:

• What she learned from publishing a non-fiction book that she then applied to her new novel, Murder Audit
• How her frustration with the stereotypical portrayal of accountants led to the creation of her novel’s protagonist Cynthia Webber
• Why she thinks publishing a novel is so much scarier than publishing a non-fiction book
•  How she found writing a novel to be similar to solving mathematical puzzles
• Why she is so passionate about seeking out learning opportunities
• And much more!

Click below to listen now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #81 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with artist success coach Nikól Peterman of Zen Red NYC.

Nikól is a certified empowerment coach who works with leading creatives who struggle to attract their perfect audience, feel amazing in their performance, and see themselves as valuable. She empowers professional artists, speakers, entrepreneurs, and presenters to be fearless, embodying a powerful presence that allows them to connect deeply with their audience, and stand out from the crowd. She specializes in skills for overcoming fear, overwhelm, and the constant roller coaster of ups and downs that come with putting your work out to the world.

During our discussion, Nikól describes:

• How letting go of perfectionism and sharing vulnerability actually draws people towards us
• The role creative writing played in her transition from performer and choreographer to empowerment coach for artists
• The importance of looking at our art through the lens of a professional
• How she encourages her creative clients to ask themselves what they are holding back
• What she means when she says marketing is all about belonging
• Why right now is an amazing time to be an artist
• And much more!

For full show notes visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art,

build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #80 of The Writing Coach podcast, I answer some important questions about author platform building and book marketing.

This week one of my former clients posted a number of fantastic marketing related questions in a private Facebook group that I run. I decided to answer the questions via the podcast.

During the episode I cover:

• Why your author platform doesn't necessarily have to be blog-based
• The best methods for platform building
• How I have gone about building my email list
• My thoughts on how writers should approach blogging
• Who I turn to when seeking advice and tips on book marketing
• And much more!

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In episode #79 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with publicity coach and founder of the Build Your Brand Academy Chris Well.

Chris is a media veteran who has worked more than 30 years in professional media. He’s been a magazine editor, columnist, journalist, broadcaster, and college instructor, with field experience covering music, publishing, human interest, and more. Also a published novelist, Chris has written suspense and mysteries for traditional publishers and as a self-published author. He and his wife live in Tennessee.

During our discussion, Chris describes:

• Why he feels compelled to help authors understand and navigate the media outreach process
• What he has learned working on both sides of the fence as both a media professional and an author
• How, after landing a traditional publishing contract, he was forced to lower his expectations regarding what a publisher has to offer when it comes to publicity and marketing
• The major differences between old media (magazines, newspapers, TV, and radio) and new digital media platforms (online videos, podcasts, and blogs)
• His surprising advice about "leading with the book"
• How book marketing is similar to farming
• And much more!

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In episode #78 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Lauren Sapala.

Lauren is the author of The INFJ Writer, a guide for sensitive intuitive writers, and Firefly Magic: Heart Powered Marketing for Highly Sensitive Writers, as well as The West Coast Trilogy, an autobiographical fiction series. She currently lives in San Francisco.

During our discussion, Lauren describes:

• Why she considers her coaching a form of healing work
• How the structure and energy of academia can often lead to overly critical writing instructors and teachers, and how the world of creativity and art differs completely
• Why she doesn't shy away from discussing her time dealing with alcoholism
• How self-publishing The INFJ Writer was such a pleasurable experience that she ceased seeking an agent for her fiction and started-indie publishing those books as well
• The way the Meyers-Briggs personality types have given her a greater understanding of her writing clients and how she can better help intuitive introverts achieve their artistic goals
• How transgressive fiction combines darkness with humour, and the challenges she has faced as a writer working in that genre
• And much more!

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Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #77 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Jennifer Blanchard.

Jennifer a multi-passionate author, screenwriter, blogger, and coach who is on a mission to change the way writers think and challenge what they believe is possible. In early 2009, after years of struggling with her stories, she learned about story structure, which changed everything for her. She published her debut novel, SoundCheck, in 2015, and she's been writing nonfiction books, novels, and screenplays ever since.

During our discussion, Jennifer describes:

• How being a multi-passionate creative can be energizing and freeing
• The role her blog played in helping her transition from a chronic procrastinator to an incredibility productive writer
• How stumbling upon a story structure article by Larry Brooks changed her life forever
• Why she challenged herself to write and publish nine books in nine months (!)
• What she offers in her Multi-Passionate Mastermind
• The importance of a daily mindset practice
• And much more!

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Think there aren't any good movies about writing?

Think again, my friend!

In episode #76 of The Writing Coach podcast, guest host, Laura Morano, and I debunk the myth that there are no good movies about writing.

We discuss more than a dozen fantastic films featuring writer protagonists dealing with the highs and lows of putting words to the page and trying to create something beautiful in the world.

Click below to listen now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #75 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Elisa Doucette of Craft Your Content.

Elisa is a writer, editor, and entrepreneur who currently travels the world looking for great stories to live, interesting tales to share, and new ways to make words sexy.

She has worked for over a decade creating compelling content and writing for various businesses and publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Small Business, The Shine Network, The Huffington Post, and Brazen Careerist among others, including syndicated columns on Forbes.com and Maine Today Media. Her short stories have been published in numerous literary magazines and websites, and she has appeared as a guest on radio shows and podcasts around the web, such as Frommer’s Radio, Entrepreneurs on Fire, and The Chris Hahn Show. She also hosts a podcast for writers and creatives, called Writers' Rough Drafts.

As the owner and executive editor of the editing and writing coaching agency, Craft Your Content, Elisa oversees the acquisition and cultivation of a talented team of word and content geniuses while also encouraging the development of clients’ writing and thought prowess. CYC serves as a champion for each writers’ unique voice and vision, while helping them to publish their best content.

During our discussion, Elisa describes:

• Why, despite living abroad and running a digital company, she doesn't consider herself a lifestyle entrepreneur
• How challenges making friends in her youth led to a passion for literature and writing
• The unique relationship between music technique and writing
• How she met Stephen King in person (!)
• Why she invested hundreds of hours in her online course, Become a Master Writer, and how you can benefit from enrolling regardless of what type of writing you do
• And much more!

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In episode #74 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with book marketing coach Audrey Hughey.

Audrey previously appeared on the show in episode #61, where we discussed her book marketing program and community, the Author Transformation Alliance. This week, Audrey returns to the show to discuss The Ultimate Authorship Planner, an incredible new resource she has created for authors.

The Ultimate Authorship Planner is designed to be an all-in-one day planner and writing-career coach, helping authors to organize their writing life and get on a clear path to reach their goals. The planner is a place to:

• Track daily and weekly word counts
• Map out writing and publishing plans for an entire year
• Manage and track monthly expenses
• Develop an editing checklist and evaluate potential editors
• Plan social media marketing, book promotions, and advertising
• Sketch out ideas for author newsletter and track open and click-through rates
• Have space and flexibility to plan your days and weeks according to your own unique lifestyle and schedule.

I own a copy of the planner (and I love it!) so I was thrilled to get an opportunity to talk to Audrey all about it.

During our discussion, Audrey describes:

• Where the original idea of the planner came from (and how it sent her NaNoWriMo in an entirely new direction)
• How she worked with her community of authors to create a product she knew they would find valuable
• The role planning, tracking, and reviewing plays in achieving goals, selling books, and building an author business
• Why she chose to publish the book using the Lulu platform in additional Amazon's CreateSpace
• How and why she was able to create three different covers for her planner
• And much more!

Whether you're on the lookout for a planner to help get your author business organized, or just curious about the behind the scenes work that goes into creating a product like this, you won't want to miss this episode.

Click below to listen now!

For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com

Episode #72 of The Writing Coach podcast features our first ever guest host, Lori Puma.

Lori Puma is a Story Grid Certified editor who helps writers turn first drafts into stories readers can’t put down. Lori started her writing career publishing scientific papers that also double as sleeping aids. Since then, she’s done a lot of things, including working as a marketer and having her work published in places such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Mashable. Lori’s focus as an editor is helping writers build the storytelling skills they need for a career writing fiction.

Lori scored the role of guest host by making the rather unusual pitch of offering to interview me on my own show. It was a great opportunity to talk about my coaching process with The Writing Coach listeners.

During our discussion, I describe:

• What I consider to be the fundamental elements of writer's craft
• The importance of starting your story planning with genre
• My real thoughts on pantsing vs. planning
• The three biggest challenges writers face while crafting a novel
• Why a coach's role is to open up new doorways of possibility to our clients
• What I recommend writers do when their plans go off-track
• And much more!

Listen to the episode now:

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #71 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Allison Fallon.

Allison believes a regular practice of writing can change your life. She is the author of a dozen books, a sought-after public speaker, and coach to hundreds of authors from New York Times Bestsellers to total beginners.

During our discussion, Allison describes:

• The importance of bringing vulnerability to writing
• How growing up in Portland influenced her early writing
• The coach's role in bearing witness to an artist's creativity
• Why she considers a regular yoga practice to be a vital component of her creative work
• And much more!

Listen to the episode now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #70 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Lisa Tener.

An authority on book writing and publishing, and winner of the Silver Stevie Award for Coach/Mentor of the Year, Lisa guides experts, entrepreneurs and visionaries to joyfully write and publish their books. Lisa has been quoted in The New York Times, featured on ABC News and more. Lisa Tener serves on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s publishing and women's leadership courses, and teaches Award Winning Book Writing Courses.

Lisa Tener's clients have received 5- and 6-figure book deals from a large variety of publishers from Random House, St. Martin's Press and Harper Collins to niche and university publishers. Her clients' books have been featured by Oprah, on NPR, the Today Show, Good Morning America and all over the national media, including the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Forbes and much more.

During our discussion, Lisa describes:

• Transforming anger into a tool for creativity
• Why the best teachers are lifelong learners
• How a time of serious illness in her life led to a period of intense reading and self-discovery
• The importance of finding your own way
• Five elements for entering a flow state as a writer
• And much more!

Listen to the episode now:

In episode #69 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Angela Ackerman.

Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, as well as five others. Her books are available in six languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. Angela is also the co-founder of the popular site Writers Helping Writers, as well as One Stop for Writers, an innovative online library built to help writers elevate their storytelling.

During our discussion, Angela describes:

• Which literary serial killer she wanted to name her dog after
• The valuable lessons she learned from joining an online critique group early in her career
• Why her book, The Emotional Thesaurus, has been so popular with writers
• What she learned from collaborating with writing coaches like James Scott Bell, Jennie Nash, and Lisa Cron
• How she ended up developing online resources for writer with Lee Powell, the creator of Scrivener
• Her passion for helping writers learn and grow,
• And much more!

Listen to the episode now!

In episode #68 of The Writing Coach podcast, I discuss how to spot a publishing scam.

It takes passion, dedications, and a massive amount of hard work to produce a 70,000 manuscript. It takes even more effort and focus to proceed to revise those 70K words several times over. Usually, aspiring authors are feeling pretty desperate by the time they reach the publication stage of the book production process. That desperation, combined with a lack of knowledge regarding the publishing industry, is frequently taken advantage of by scammers, frauds, hucksters, and criminals in the world of publishing.

In this episode, we're going to go over the steps you can take to investigate an offer before you hand over any money or personal information to a service provider, agent, or publisher.

Listen to the episode now!

In episode #67 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Brooke Warner.

Brooke Warner is publisher of She Writes Press, founder of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of What’s Your Book? and How to Sell Your Memoir. Brooke’s expertise is in traditional and new publishing, and she is an equal advocate for publishing with a traditional house and self-publishing. She sits on the board of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW). Her website was selected by The Write Life as one of the Top 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2014.

During our conversation, Brooke describes:

• How a talk with her mom about what she loves led to a career in publishing
• The exact moment she realized her experience in editing and publishing could be used for an author coaching business
• The massive learning curve for memoir writers and the “kiss of death” they need to avoid in their writing
• The role perseverance (and the help of a coach) played in landing her TedX talk, “Green-Light Revolution”
• Why she founded She Writes Press and what it means to be a hybrid publisher
• How the current American political environment means having a platform for women writers is more important than ever
• And much more!

Listen to the episode now!

In episode #66 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Lisa Bloom.

Lisa Bloom is a highly professional and accomplished Storyteller, Professional Certified Coach (ICF) and Training & Development Expert with more than 20 years experience working in public and private sectors, high-tech and financial services environments. Lisa trains Story Coaches and helps entrepreneurs de-stress the marketing, build their business with confidence and inspiration by finding their success story.

During our conversation, Lisa describes:

• How a story can be used to build trust and create credibility
• Her deep belief that we are all innate storytellers
• Why she spent time working as a "galley slave"
• The massive benefits she experienced from writing a weekly story on her blog for ten years straight
• How finding congruity between your outer story and inner story leads to powerful authenticity

Listen to the episode now:

In episode #65 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with John Adamus.

Since 1997, John's entire career has been working with people to tell their stories. Whether in television, film, stage, or publishing, he has worked with talented creatives who have all different kinds of stories to tell. Through his website, The Writer Next Door, John offers a full suite of tools to help writers reach their creative goals, from story design and coaching to first chapter diagnostics and help with query letters. John is the executive editor at Parvus Press, a publishing company focused on science fiction and fantasy, and he also extremely active on Twitter, where you'll find him sharing writing tips and advice throughout the day.

During our conversation, John describes:

• How he had been helping people for years before he realized "creative coaching" was the name for what he was doing
• Why he got fired from his slush pile reader job at a New York publishing house
• The challenge of learning how to determine your value and charge what you are worth for your services
• The important role a mentor played in his life and his development as a writer and editor
• And much more

Listen to the episode now!

For full show notes, visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #64 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Jennie Nash.

Jennie has spent 30 years in the books. She is the author of seven books, one of the world’s top one-on-one writing coaches, and the co-founder of Author Accelerator, a company that matches authors with books coaches.

During our conversation, Jennie describes:

• Why she finds the quick fix solutions to learning writers craft so frustrating
• What she learned from her writer father
• The moment she turned down a multi-book deal with a traditional publisher
• Why a writing retreat once asked her to "tone down" her intensity
• The reason writers need to get good at asking for what they want
• How talent can often get in the way of storytelling
• The non-linear nature of writing
• And much more

Listen to the episode now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode #63 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Franciska Csongrady.

Franciska is in her third year of an English Literature degree at Oxford University in England. In addition to her studies, she tutors students from around the world looking to improve their English writing.

During our conversation, Franciska describes:

• How growing up in Hungary, England, and Austria led to an interest in learning languages, including English, Hungarian, Spanish, German, and even some Latin
• What it is like going to a school and walking the same halls that were once walked by the likes of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
• What she has learned from teaching English to students from all around the world
• And much more

Listen to the episode now.

For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com

In episode #62 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with writer, editor, and media manager Sarah Foil.

Sarah describes herself as a cliché: an introverted, caffeine-addicted, wine-obsessed writer in North Carolina with a husband, crazy dog and angry cat.

(Sounds like my kind of person!)

She has an MFA and served as the editor of the literary magazine Incunabula for four years before launching into the freelance world, where she now works with aspiring and first-time novelists as an editor and media manager.

During our conversation, Sarah describes:

• Why, as a young girl, she realized she wanted to learn how to make dad's cry (with words)
• The big takeaways from her MFA program
• The common mistakes writer's make when submitting to editors, and why writers need to focus on the first page of their submission
• Her approach to social media management and the tools she uses to preschedule her posts
• And much more

Listen to the episode now!

In episode #61 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Audrey Hughey.

Audrey Hughey is the founder of The Write Services Social Media Management and creator of the Author Transformation Alliance. Her passion is inspiring and empowering authors to achieve their goals and dreams with effective and authentic marketing.

During our conversation, Audrey describes:

• Why its important for authors to develop book marketing plans
• How she uses a community to educate and empower authors
• What she learned in the world of fitness that she carried over into book marketing
• Her "no excuse" approach to achieving her goals
• Why she created the 2018 Author Journal
• And much more

Listen to the episode now!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors who help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

A client of mine recently asked me what novels I would recommend for the purpose demonstrating different aspects of writer's craft.

This episode answers that question!

Listen now!

In ep. #48 of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Trevor Crane.

Trevor Crane is a 10-time #1 international bestselling author and the founder of Bestseller Big Business and Super Kids Books Publishing. He is the host of the GreatnessQuest.com podcast and the creator of TheGreatnessNetwork.com. Most of all, Trevor is loaded with passion. Whether he’s speaking in front of an audience or consulting business owners and executives, Trevor gives his heart and soul to help people achieve the results they desire. He transforms the “complicated” into simple-to-understand and easy-to-implement steps that anyone can apply.

During our conversation, Trevor describes:

• How it took him 20 years to publish his first book before going on to publish 10 bestsellers
• The important role belief plays in finding success
• How writing and publishing a book should be a collaborative experience similar to building a house
• The mistake Al Gore made in the creation of An Inconvenient Truth and why most authors make the same mistake
• How everyone has their own area of genius
• Why he thinks more creatives actually need to stop creating
• And much more

Listen to the episode now!

For a video version of this episode, visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach43

In episode 34 of The Writing Coach, I speak with Susan Friedmann.

Susan is a Certified Speaking Professional and a veteran business and niche marketing expert who has carved her niche by helping companies worldwide get the most out of attending trade shows and industry events. She offers programs to increase results and focus on building better relationships with customers, prospects and advocates in the marketplace.

A prolific author, Susan has written fourteen books including, Meeting and Event Planning for Dummies, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Target Marketing, Riches in Niches: How to Make it BIG in a small Market, which made it to #1 in hot business books on Amazon.com.

During our conversation, Susan describes:

• How the publishing industry has changed over the last three decades;
• Her nuts and bolts approach to writing and teaching;
• The value and benefits of self-publishing for authors;
• How the September 11 terrorist in New York attacks nearly prevented one of her books from being published;
• The way the National Speakers Association has connected her with many important mentors;
• What she has learned from a year of podcasting;
• The importance of niche marketing for authors;
• And much more!

For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach17

Visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach16

In episode 15 of The Writing Coach, I speak with professional organizer and Apple expert Deron Bos.

As the rare man who has passion for both label makers and iPads, Deron is a personal professional organizer and Apple tutor.  I am an active member of both the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). He has also worked as a stage actor and a college English teacher, and he has a Master's degree in play-writing. As a productivity junkie, Deron believes organizing spaces and learning Apple products can be a life-changing transformation.

During the interview, Deron describes:

• The importance of distraction free writing
• How clutter can distract us from our goals
• How organizing digital and physical spaces is actually very similar
• The connection between stage acting and the entrepreneurial realm
• Plain text tools writers can take advantage of
• and much more!

In episode 13 of The Writing Coach, I speak with best selling author, speaker and entrepreneur, Chandler Bolt. This is part 2 of an interview that began on the Write Along Radio podcast.

Chandler was bit by the entrepreneurial bug at an early age when he saw that he could make a lot more money working for himself. While his friends were off searching for jobs, he was out starting businesses. After struggling with writing for most of his life, he manages to turn his first book, The Productive Person, into a best seller. He donated all proceeds from his follow-up book, Breaking Out of a Broken System, to charity. His third book, Book Launch, outlines the system he uses to produces best sellers. He now teaches that systems to other authors via his online training and coaching program, Self Publishing School. 

During the interview, Chandler describes:

• Why he decided to share his knowledge with other authors and launch Self Publishing School
• The mentor role his parents and brother have played in his life
• The important role that accountability partners and communities plays in a writer's success
• Why putting too much expectations on a book launch takes all the fun out of it
• and much more!

For full show notes to this episode visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach13

In this episode, I speak with author and blogger Jeff Goins. For full show notes visit www.kevintjohns.com

In episode 12 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author coach, Heather Hart.

Heather Hart is an internationally best-selling and award winning author, who works as an author coach at TrainingAuthors.com. Heather’s desire is to help other authors successfully publish and market their books while continuing to author, contribute to, and market multiple book marketing and faith-based books herself – and to have fun doing it!

During the interview, Heather describes:

• her early passion for writing, and why she was discouraged from pursuing a career in writing
• how life as a stay-at-home mom re-ignited her passion
• her initial fears related to marketing her books
• why marketing a book is like raising a child
• the importance of knowing your target audience when marketing your book
• what she believes every authors first step in marketing their book should be
• the value of experimentation
• and much more!

For full show notes visit http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach12

In episode 11 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author and writing coach Doug Kurtz.

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 10 of The Writing Coach, I speak with writing coach Charlotte Rains Dixon.

Charlotte is a novelist, freelance journalist, blogger, ghostwriter, fiction and non-fiction author, and writing coach. She earned her MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and is a current mentor at the Writer's Loft, a certificate writing program at Middle Tennessee State University. Her popular blog contains over a thousand articles on writing, creativity, inspiration, motivation, and the writer's life.

During the interview, Charlotte describes:

• how she's been blogging about writing for almost 8 years;
• why a writing career that started in freelance journalism led to fiction writing;
• the roles writing groups and mentors played in her development as an author;
• why the world would be a better place if everyone let their creative spirits out;
• how her life coaching certification has helped her as a writing coach;
• and much more!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 9 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author and writing coach Cathy Yardley.

Cathy Yardley is the author of almost 20 fiction and non-fiction books spanning multiple genres and several major publishing houses. Her Rock Your Writing series of instructional writing books provide authors with practical tips and strategies for writing and business. She also works one-on-one with writers as a writing coach, and offers unique story-planning sessions.

During the interview, Cathy describes:

• how she got started in the writing industry by joining the Romance Writers of America as a publicist
• why she recommends genre authors produce a book a year if they want to maintain an audience and income
• the role a support team plays in an author's success
• the importance of motivation and goals in order to being prolific
• why writers need to approach their writing like a business
• her inspiration for writing non-fiction instructional books
• and much more!

For the show notes to this episode, please visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach9/

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 8 of The Writing Coach, I speak with blogging and business coach Jenna Dalton.

Jenna is a certified Elite level Book Yourself Solid Coach. She works with coaches and consultants to help them get more clients by using smart, authentic and proven blogging strategies combined with a client attraction system proven to work.

During the interview, Jenna describes:

   - how she became a Book Yourself Solid Coach after having the book sitting unread on her shelf for months
   - why she recommends attending a Creative Live recording (it's on my bucket list!)
   - how she transitioned from personal trainer and nutrition consultant to business coach
   - what she learned from coaches and mentors like Michael Port and Mari Forleo
   - how listening to her community led her to specializing in blogging coaching
   - why you don't necessarily have to be a great writer to be an effective blogger
    - and much more!

For show notes to this episode, visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach7

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 7 of The Writing Coach, I speak with Jason Kong of Storyrally.com.

Jason is a blogger and marketing coach dedicated to helping fiction writers with their online marketing. He is also a regular contributor to Joel Friedlander's popular website, The Book Designer.

During the interview, Jason describes:

   - why he recommends guest blogging as a key marketing strategy
   - how he uses email as his main means of providing value to his audience
   -  why he chooses to work with fiction authors
   - how authors can use free giveaways to build their audience
   - the importance of trust when marketing a book
   - the benefits an author can gain from working with a coach
   -  and much more!

For show notes to this episode, visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach7

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 6 of The Writing Coach, I speak with Julia Tunstall of A Bar Above and Mastermind Finder -- a website Julia founded that helps online entrepreneurs connect and build useful and effective Mastermind Groups so that their businesses can grow and thrive.

During the interview, Julia describes:

    - how she became an expert in mastermind groups
    - why she founded Mastermindfinder.com
    - how to "gamify" a mastermind group
    - the specific benefits a writer can get from a mastermind
    - how support groups can move people towards things, not just away from them
    - the unique way mastermind groups can help writers overcome loneliness
    - the benefits and drawbacks of a free mastermind vs. a paid mastermind
    - and much more!

For the show notes to this episode, please visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach6

To learn more about The Novel Writer's Blueprint Mastermind Group visit: http://yournovelblueprint.com/blueprint-mastermind/

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 5 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author, writing instructor, and small press publisher Caroline Frechette.

Originally from Montreal, Caroline has been living in the Ottawa/Gatineau region for the past 9 years. She is a sequential artist and author, who has published several short stories, two graphic novels, and three young adult fiction novels. She was the editor and director for the French Canadian literary magazine Histoires à boire debout and is a founding member of Renaissance Press. She has been teaching creative writing and coaching authors since 2005.

During the interview, Caroline describes:

• how she got started teaching writing by accepting donations in an empty yogurt container
• how volunteer work led to jobs doing structural edits and teaching courses for the city
• why doing work for passion, not profit, can actually lead to revenue
• where she found the confidence to start teaching at such a young age
• the huge impact a high school English teacher had on her writing career
• how one of her students became a co-founder of her small press
• and much more!

For show notes visits: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach5

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 4 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author and online entrepreneur Jonathan Tilley.

Jonathan is the creator of The Sacred Space Sessions: a 28 day art journaling course designed to make you feel good on the inside and out, League of List Builders: a 6 week business course for creatives on how to develop long-lasting, deep, and powerful working relationships, and author of Voice Over Garden: winner of the 2013 Small Business Book Award for Start-Ups.

A former actor, singer, and dancer in past productions of A Chorus Line, Mamma Mia!, and Cats Jonathan felt it was time to start speaking his own words about The Creative Process in front of audiences. He has devoted his life to sharing his thinking in order to help other creatives and entrepreneurs take action with their own process and purpose.

During the interview, Jonathan describes:

• how he was able to forge a successful career in stage acting, a vocation so many fail at
• why he embraces rejection and encourages creatives to not let it stop them
• the skills that actors are able to bring to writing and business
• how mentors and coaches can help by giving you permission to create
• the surprising experience that lead to the writing of his first book
• and much more!

Show notes: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach4

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 3 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author and book marketing expert Tim Grahl.

Tim is the head-honcho at Out:think, a marketing firm specializing in book promotion and author platforms. He has worked with hundreds of writers. His clients are New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-sellers in fiction and non-fiction, including authors like Hugh Howey, Daniel Pink, and Pamela Slim. He is also the author of Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Book Marketing which has sold over 10K copies. Marketing and sales are often seen as a slimy task that writers hate, but Tim redefines what marketing is and shares how it can be a fun and exciting while also increasing profits.

During the interview, Tim describes:

• the influence bloggers like Seth Godin and Hugh McCleod had on his early work
• why he always maintains an experimental mindset
• how he was able to put his own advice into practice to reach the 10K sales mark with his own book
• the importance of building an audience that will cheer you on
• how everyone can be relentlessly helpful
• why he has decided to write a novel and what is was like working with a writing coach
• how authors need to review their options carefully when choosing traditional and indie publishing
• and much more!

For the show notes to this episode visit: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach3

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 2 of The Writing Coach, I speak with editor, publisher, literary agent, and writer Shawn Coyne.

Shawn has edited and published hundreds of books with a total gross revenue of over $150 million!  He has  worked closely with Stephen Pressfield, including editing The War of Art and Gates of Fire (two of my personal favourites!), and runs a literary agency that represents the likes of David Mamet and Robert McKee.  He's ghostwritten several best-sellers, and recently launched a new blog, The Story Grid.

During this spectacular interview, Shawn describes:

• his early years in the publishing business and how he learned his craft
• why today's authors need to learn to be their own editors
• the two tracks (macro and mirco) an editor can take and how the story grid combines both
• why authors must start their writing with a strong understanding genre
• how experience in stage acting translates to writing
• what separates the best of the best from everyone else
• why a scene must revolve around a story value and move from one place to another
• the importance of understanding surface language and subtext
• and much more!

For show notes visits: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach2

Welcome to The Writing Coach. On this podcast, I speak with the instructors, editors, coaches, and mentors that help writers and authors create their art, build their audience, and sell their work.

In episode 1 of The Writing Coach, I speak with author and writing coach M. Shannon Herandez.

After 15 years as a professional educator, Shannon resigned from teaching and reinvented her life and career. Through her business, The Writing Whisper, she's now helping small businesses to succeed by teaching them how to use content to share their brand's stories and expertise. She is also coaching memoir writers one-on-one and helping them to turn their memories into manuscripts. In addition, Shannon writes for The Huffington Post and released a hit book last summer, Breaking the Silence: My Final 40 Days as a Public School Teacher. 

During the interview, Shannon describes:

• the benefits of working with a writing coach, business coach, and professional editor
• how she turned her personal journal into a successful published memoir
• the emotional experience of memoir writing
• how she helps writers find their authentic voice
• the importance of networking to find new clients
• how visual models can help the writing process
• why she doesn't believe in writing drills
• how she keeps her writing clients on track with their writing
• why she doesn't haggle about rates with potential clients
• how she spent her first author royalty cheque
• and much more!

Show Notes: http://www.kevintjohns.com/writingcoach1