Writing While Distracted

Mastering Editing with 25 Tips for Neurodiverse Writers

Welcome to Writing While Distracted, where scattered thoughts transform into literary brilliance. Join Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, as she dives into challenges neurodiverse writers face, particularly in editing. Discover invaluable tips to conquer distractions and utilize your strengths for a compelling narrative. From reading aloud to tackle punctuation issues to ensuring pronoun clarity in complex stories, Brenda covers essential editing strategies to polish your manuscript.

Embark on a journey through proven methods to avoid common mistakes made by neurodivergent authors. Learn to identify sentence fragments, maintain tense consistency, and embrace active voice for engaging storytelling. With practical hacks like using highlighters for character clarity and employing global search to eliminate echoes and overused adverbs, editing becomes an achievable task.

Whether navigating homophone hurdles or varying sentence lengths for optimal rhythm, this episode equips you with 25 key tips to enhance your manuscript. Brenda emphasizes the importance of formatting, feedback, and taking breaks to refine your art.

Stay inspired through the chaos, as you embrace the unique creative process that fuels every writer's journey. Tune in to unlock the secrets of editing mastery and send your polished work into the literary world with confidence.

Show Notes

Free resources for writers

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

 

Character Workbook https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ofxxsx32dj

Newsletter Sign up link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ik4sj696um

Shree Greer’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Baddest-Out-Your-Friends-Grammar/dp/1955629005/

Sandra Gerth’s book:  https://www.amazon.com/Point-View-different-head-hopping-Writers-ebook/dp/B01LXFITOD/

 

 

Plays Well with Others: Working with Beta Readers, Editors, and More

Welcome back to "Writing While Distracted" with your NeuroSpicy writing coach, Brenda Murphy. In this episode, we dive deep into the revision process, exploring how to effectively collaborate with beta readers, developmental editors, and copy editors to refine your manuscript.

We begin by addressing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a common challenge for neurodivergent writers, and discuss strategies to manage these intense feelings during the revision process. Brenda shares personal insights and practical advice on how to maintain healthy professional relationships while navigating RSD.

Next, we break down the distinct roles of beta readers, developmental editors, and copy editors. Learn how each contributes to the manuscript's development, from providing reader-centric feedback to strategic big-picture edits and meticulous language polishing.

Brenda also offers best practices for working with your revision team, including how to find the right beta readers, the importance of clear communication, and the value of respecting their time and input. For those working with sensitivity readers, she emphasizes the importance of compensating them and valuing their unique perspectives.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips to help you create the best possible version of your manuscript. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us next time as we continue to explore the writer's journey.

Until then, keep writing, keep revising, and take care of yourself.

 Plays Well With Others Show notes

Sign up for my newsletter for free resources for Writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Follow me on my socials for quick tips and updates: https://www.instagram.com/writinghwhiledistracted/

Struggling with character development? Check out my free character building workbook: https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Here is the free resource 60 Ways to Show Character Arc: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/xjcaam4085

This podcast is all about structure: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ckhgh-167fd45

Eileen Cook’s Build Better Characters:  https://eileencook.com/non-fiction/

Debra Dixon Goal Motivation and Conflict: http://www.debradixon.com/index.html

Save the Cat: https://savethecat.com/books

Writing While Distracted Blog on Story Structure/Story ARC https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/?p=2295

 My podcast about revisions and editing:  Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xhk2p-167fa2b

Sandra Gerth’s fantastic book Show Don’t Tell:  https://www.amazon.com/Show-Dont-Tell-descriptions-characters-ebook/dp/B01LXFJ0AC/

MIlianote

    https://milanote.com

Scrivener

https://www.literatureandlatte.com

 

Revisions and Editing Steps

To recap the process, I use to get my rough as hell draft to a finished product to send to an editor, publisher, or out on submission is:

• Round1: Revisions: structure, pacing, character arcs, genre conventions, continuity, and attending to items that require research.
• Round 2: Language: word choice, refining prose, pacing, dialogue, scene descriptions, character descriptions, continuity. *At this point I send it to my beta readers.
• Round 3: Proofing: Suggestions from Beta readers, grammar, spelling, punctuation, copy edits, line edits formatting for submission or publication. Copy edits, line edits.
• Round 4: Final proofing read through before submission or publishing.

 

 

 

 

Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Unleash Your Characters' Voices

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast that transforms scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. I'm Brenda Murphy, your neuro-spicy writing coach, and today, we're diving into the art of dialogue in your writing.

Dialogue can make or break a novel, and for many, it’s the most challenging part of storytelling. Whether you're neurodivergent or neurotypical, our unique perspectives can add depth and authenticity to dialogue. In this episode, we explore strategies to polish your dialogue, making it natural, purposeful, and character-driven.

Learn how to cut out filler words, balance dialogue with action, and use subtext to convey emotions and relationships. We discuss the importance of avoiding info dumps and how to effectively tag dialogue with actions rather than overusing "he said, she said."

We also delve into the technical aspects of punctuating dialogue and offer insights from classic and contemporary films that excel in dialogue. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to create engaging and authentic conversations in your writing.

Join us next time on "Writing While Distracted" as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the writer's mind. Until then, keep writing, keep wandering, and embrace the distractions that fuel your creativity.

Show notes

Free resources for writers

 

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free character workbook https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ofxxsx32dj

My podcast about revisions and editing:  Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xhk2p-167fa2b

Sandra Gerth’s fantastic book Show Don’t Tell:  https://www.amazon.com/Show-Dont-Tell-descriptions-characters-ebook/dp/B01LXFJ0AC/

 

MIlianote

    https://milanote.com

Scrivener

https://www.literatureandlatte.com

 

 

Revisions and Editing Steps

To recap the process, I use to get my rough as hell draft to a finished product to send to an editor, publisher, or out on submission is:

• Round1: Revisions: structure, pacing, character arcs, genre conventions, continuity, and attending to items that require research.
• Round 2: Language: word choice, refining prose, pacing, dialogue, scene descriptions, character descriptions, continuity. *At this point I send it to my beta readers.
• Round 3: Proofing: Suggestions from Beta readers, grammar, spelling, punctuation, copy edits, line edits formatting for submission or publication. Copy edits, line edits.
• Round 4: Final proofing read through before submission or publishing.

 

 

 

Mastering Revision: Genre, Continuity, and Research

Welcome to another episode of Writing While Distracted, the podcast that guides you from scattered thoughts to literary brilliance. Hosted by Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, this episode delves into the intertwined elements of genre conventions, continuity, and research in the revision process.

Brenda begins by demystifying genre conventions, explaining how they serve as helpful guidelines rather than constraints. She encourages blending genres to create unique stories while maintaining key elements that meet reader expectations.

The discussion then moves to story continuity, emphasizing the importance of keeping characters, settings, and events consistent. Brenda shares practical tools like Milanote and Scrivener, as well as the value of attentive beta readers, to help neurodivergent writers maintain continuity in their manuscripts.

Finally, Brenda tackles the challenge of research, offering strategies to balance in-depth exploration with focused writing time. She advises separating research from writing sessions to avoid derailment and maintain productivity.

This episode is packed with actionable tips and insights to help neurodivergent writers harness their unique strengths while navigating common challenges. Tune in to transform your creative process and keep your writing journey on track.

Until next time, keep writing, keep wandering, and embrace the distractions that fuel your creativity.

 

Show notes Genre Conventions, Continuity, and Research

Free resources for writers:

 

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free character workbook https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ofxxsx32dj

My podcast about revisions and editing:  Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xhk2p-167fa2b

Sandra Gerth’s fantastic book Show Don’t Tell:  https://www.amazon.com/Show-Dont-Tell-descriptions-characters-ebook/dp/B01LXFJ0AC/

 

MIlianote

    https://milanote.com

Scrivener

https://www.literatureandlatte.com

 

Revisions and Editing Steps

To recap the process, I use to get my rough as hell draft to a finished product to send to an editor, publisher, or out on submission is:

• Round1: Revisions: structure, pacing, character arcs, genre conventions, continuity, and attending to items that require research.
• Round 2: Language: word choice, refining prose, pacing, dialogue, scene descriptions, character descriptions, continuity. *At this point I send it to my beta readers.
• Round 3: Proofing: Suggestions from Beta readers, grammar, spelling, punctuation, copy edits, line edits formatting for submission or publication. Copy edits, line edits.
• Round 4: Final proofing read through before submission or publishing.

 

 

 

Character Arcs: The Key to Relatable Stories

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast dedicated to helping writers harness their creative energy amidst distractions. I'm Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, and in today's episode, we delve into a topic that often confounds new writers: the difference between character arcs and story arcs.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of character development, exploring how characters grow and change throughout a story. We'll discuss the importance of establishing character arcs not just for protagonists but for all significant characters, ensuring a rich and engaging narrative.

Discover the nuances of showing character growth, from the inciting incident to the climax, and learn how to avoid common pitfalls like stereotypes. Whether you're working on a single novel or a series, this episode provides valuable insights to make your characters authentic and your stories compelling.

Stay tuned for tips, resources, and inspiration to polish your characters and keep your readers hooked. Happy writing!

Show Notes WWD Season 2 Character ARCs

Sign up for my newsletter for free resources for Writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Follow me on my socials for quick tips and updates: https://www.instagram.com/writinghwhiledistracted/

Struggling with character development? Check out my free character building workbook: https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Here is the free resource 60 Ways to Show Character Arc:https://dl.bookfunnel.com/xjcaam4085

This podcast is all about structure: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ckhgh-167fd45

Eileen Cook’s Build Better Characters:  https://eileencook.com/non-fiction/

Debra Dixon Goal Motivation and Conflict: http://www.debradixon.com/index.html

Save the Cat: https://savethecat.com/books

Writing While Distracted Blog on Story Structure/Story ARC https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/?p=2295

 

Mastering Novel Pacing: Keep Your Readers Hooked!

Are you a writer whose mind is a whirlwind of creativity and distraction? Hello and welcome back to Writing While Distracted, the podcast that helps you transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. I'm your NeuroSpicy writing coach, Brenda Murphy.

In this episode, we delve into the magic of novel pacing—a crucial element that keeps your readers engaged and eager for more. Discover how the speed of your story impacts the reader's experience, making them feel breathless, cozy, or even bored if the pacing is off. Learn the tools of the trade, from sentence length to scene length, and how they contribute to the overall flow of your narrative.

Whether you're writing a thriller, cozy mystery, romance, or fantasy, understanding your audience is key to mastering pacing. Brenda shares insights on how to sprinkle information throughout your story, avoiding the dreaded info dump that can overwhelm readers. We also discuss the importance of revisions and how to use them to perfect your pacing.

Tune in to discover practical tips and strategies that will help you maintain a seamless narrative flow, ensuring your readers can't put your book down. Don't forget to check out the show notes for additional resources and links to helpful guides.

If you've enjoyed today's podcast, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps get the podcast in front of more folks. Join us next time as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the writer's mind. Until then, keep writing, keep wandering, and embrace the distractions that fuel your creativity. Stay tuned, stay inspired!

Show Notes:

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here is the link for the free PDF about pacing: https://BookHip.com/RXVGPCX

This podcast is all about structure: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ckhgh-167fd45

Follow me on my socials for quick tips and updates: https://www.instagram.com/writinghwhiledistracted/

Struggling with character development? Check out my free character building workbook: https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Jordan Rosenfeld's book: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Revised-Expanded-Powerful/dp/1440351414/

Mastering the Revision Process: Transforming Your First Draft into a Masterpiece

Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast that helps you transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. I'm your host, Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. In this episode, we dive deep into the first part of the revision and editing process after completing your rough draft.

We'll discuss the importance of creating a reverse outline to get a clear view of your story's structure, ensuring your novel has a coherent beginning, middle, and end. Learn how to identify missing scenes, combine scenes for better pacing, and ensure your character development aligns with your plot.

Discover techniques to maintain reader engagement through effective storytelling, character arcs, and plot development. Whether you're a pantser or work from a loose outline, this episode offers invaluable tips for refining your manuscript and making your story compelling and readable.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of the revision process and help you shape your wobbly first draft into a polished novel. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep writing!

Show notes WWD Season Two Episode Two

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free character workbook https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ofxxsx32dj

My podcast about revisions and editing:  Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xhk2p-167fa2b

Sandra Gerth’s fantastic book Show Don’t Tell:  https://www.amazon.com/Show-Dont-Tell-descriptions-characters-ebook/dp/B01LXFJ0AC/

 

Revisions and Editing Steps

To recap the process, I use to get my rough as hell draft to a finished product to send to an editor, publisher, or out on submission is:

• Round1: Revisions: structure, pacing, character arcs, genre conventions, continuity, and attending to items that require research.
• Round 2: Language: word choice, refining prose, pacing, dialogue, scene descriptions, character descriptions, continuity. *At this point I send it to my beta readers.
• Round 3: Proofing: Suggestions from Beta readers, grammar, spelling, punctuation, copy edits, line edits formatting for submission or publication. Copy edits, line edits.
• Round 4: Final proofing read through before submission or publishing.

 

 

 

 

Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems

Welcome to Writing While Distracted, the podcast that transforms scattered thoughts into literary brilliance! I'm Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. In this episode, we'll delve into the exhilarating world of revisions and editing, the 'fun part' of writing.

Discover how to organize your revision process, from structuring your story and refining your prose to the final proofing stages. I'll share my personal workflow and steps to help you polish your rough drafts into submission-ready manuscripts.

We'll also discuss the vital roles of beta readers, copy editors, line editors, and proofreaders in perfecting your work. Plus, I'll provide tips for staying focused amidst the chaos, especially for those dealing with distraction and mental health issues.

Join us as we navigate the winding roads of creativity and embrace the distractions that fuel our writing. Until next time, keep writing and stay inspired!

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Sign up for my newsletter for writers and those who want to be here https://dl.bookfunnel.com/d3lfzojpcl 

Show Notes Revisions and Editing

To recap the process, I use to get my rough as hell draft to a finished product to send to an editor, publisher, or out on submission is:

• Round1: Revisions: structure, pacing, character arcs, genre conventions, continuity, and attending to items that require research.
• Round 2: Language: word choice, refining prose, pacing, dialogue, scene descriptions, character descriptions, continuity. *At this point I send it to my beta readers.
• Round 3: Proofing: Suggestions from Beta readers, grammar, spelling, punctuation, copy edits, line edits formatting for submission or publication. Copy edits, line edits.
• Round 4: Final proofing read through before submission or publishing.

 

Jane Friedman has a great article on hiring a developmental editor here (https://janefriedman.com/before-you-hire-a-developmental-editor-what-you-need-to-know/) Her newsletter is one of my favorites and always contains helpful information and links.

 

Embrace the Chaos: Your First Draft

Join Brenda Murphy, your neuro-spicy writing coach, on an inspiring journey to transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. In this episode of "Writing While Distracted," Brenda delves into the essence of the first draft—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to navigate through the chaos to complete your manuscript.

Discover practical tips to stay focused, learn the importance of embracing imperfection, and find out how to avoid the common pitfalls that prevent many writers from finishing their books. Whether you write every day or in short bursts, this episode offers valuable insights to help you keep moving forward, overcome creative blocks, and celebrate your accomplishments.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and remember: creativity thrives in the midst of chaos.

Show Notes for First Draft

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Links to podcasts

https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/mastering-novel-writing-11-essential-steps-for-neurodivergent-writers/

Links Character workbook  https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

Link for Writers Block Workbook  https://BookHip.com/ZBMGLLR

 

Mastering Character Creation: A Guide for Distracted Writers

Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast designed to help writers harness their creativity amidst life's chaos. I'm Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach. This episode delves into the fascinating and sometimes daunting task of character creation. Learn how to develop authentic, relatable characters that drive your story and keep readers engaged.

We'll explore various methods for character development, from checklists and backstories to understanding internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts. Discover how to portray characters outside your lived experiences accurately and respectfully, and the importance of using sensitivity readers.

Additionally, I'll share my favorite resources, including Eileen Cook's "Build Better Characters" and Deborah Dixon's "Goal, Motivation, and Conflict," along with practical tips on organizing character information. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you craft three-dimensional characters that resonate with readers.

Tune in to learn how to transform your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance and keep your story moving forward, even when distractions loom large. Happy writing!

Free resources for writers:

https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here at all the resources I spoke about

Show Notes Episode 10 Feel the Fear

Links to podcast

https://writingwhiledistracted.podbean.com/e/mastering-novel-writing-11-essential-steps-for-neurodivergent-writers/

Links Character workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX

These are some books and classes I recommend as excellent resources for character creation.

1. Build Better Characters: The Psychology of Backstory & How To Use It In Your Writing to Hook Readers by Eileen Cook. {https://books2read.com/u/mgP2Px} This is the book I wish I had when I was first started writing. Eileen is an award-winning (use her bio) author, and this book explains how to construct characters and, more importantly, get at the root of their motivations, fears, and behaviors—filled with exercises that will help you figure out how to build characters that are believable and relatable.
2. Debra Dixon’s Goal, Motivation, and Conflict {https://books2read.com/u/4ARJRe} is also a go-to for me. At the heart of any story are your character’s goals, their motivation for achieving those goals, and the obstacles in their way—a must-have, in my opinion, for any writer’s bookshelf. Her simple explanations and worksheets are the most helpful in understanding how character arcs work.
3. Hal Ackerman’s Screenwriting Class. {https://www.creativelive.com/class/screenwriting-the-art-of-the-first-draft} This class is offered on Creative Live and can be purchased through them. Hal’s explanation of how characters’ behaviors drive plot is excellent and well worth the price. If you buy the class, you can download it for rewatching whenever you need a refresher. I use his method of plot outlining for all of my stories. Knowing what a character will do/sacrifice to achieve their objective is vital in creating compelling plots that will have readers turning pages.
4. Angela Ackerman’s and Becky Puglisi: Emotional Wound Thesaurus, Positive Character Traits Thesaurus, Negative Character Traits Thesaurus, The Conflict Thesaurus Volumes 1 and 2. {https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZH6WS6C?binding=kindle_edition} I use this collection of books in two ways. If I am starting to noodle a book and am casting about for plot ideas and conflicts that will power my story, I thumb through these books for ideas. If I already have a rough idea of the conflict at the center of my story, I will use these books to define how that will play out in the story. Please don’t skip the introductions in these books as they explain the concept each explores in depth and are well worth your time. They fit into Debra Dixon’s Goal Motivation and Conflict framework perfectly.

How to use this information

After reading and rereading and putting into practice recommendations from the above sources, (full reveal, I credit Eileen Cook’s Build Better Character’s book for my Goldie Win), I came up with a form that helps to organize the information I find most helpful to know about each of my characters. You can find a downloadable version here as a fillable PDF workbook.

Disclaimer: While it might be helpful as a standalone workbook it will make so much more sense if you read Debra Dixon’s Goal Motivation and Conflict and Eileen Cook’s Build Better Characters, along with the other references listed above.

Link for Workbook: https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX