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Are you a writer with distraction issues and mental health challenges? Learn how to find your beginning, get to the end, and use your strengths to complete writing projects. Join Brenda Murphy your neurospicy writing coach on Writing While Distracted the companion podcast for the Writing While Distracted blog featuring positive advice, author interviews, and motivational writing craft discussions. Here creativity thrives in the midst of chaos.
Episodes
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Plays Well with Others: Working with Beta Readers, Editors, and More
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
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://www.brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers.html
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
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.
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Unleash Your Characters' Voices
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
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
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
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.
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Mastering Revision: Genre, Continuity, and Research
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
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
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
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.
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Character Arcs: The Key to Relatable Stories
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
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://www.brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers.html
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
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Mastering Novel Pacing: Keep Your Readers Hooked!
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
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:
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/
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Mastering the Revision Process: Transforming Your First Draft into a Masterpiece
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
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.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Mastering Revisions: Turning Rough Drafts into Polished Gems
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
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!
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.
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Embrace the Chaos: Your First Draft
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
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
Links to podcasts
Links Character workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX
Link for Writers Block Workbook https://BookHip.com/ZBMGLLR
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Mastering Character Creation: A Guide for Distracted Writers
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
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!
Here at all the resources I spoke about
Show Notes Episode 10 Feel the Fear
Links to podcast
Links Character workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX
These are some books and classes I recommend as excellent resources for character creation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Transforming Chaos into Creativity: The Art of Pre-Writing
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Are you a writer struggling to harness your creativity amidst distractions? Welcome to "Writing While Distracted," the podcast that turns your scattered thoughts into literary brilliance. Hosted by Brenda Murphy, your NeuroSpicy writing coach, this episode offers invaluable advice for staying focused and using your unique strengths to craft your story.
In this episode, Brenda delves into the importance of pre-writing, or as she calls it, "outlining for the outline impaired." Learn how to create a basic framework for your novel, from making a scene list to understanding your characters' desires and motivations. Discover how to navigate the "swampy middle" of your manuscript and keep your narrative on track, even if you're not a natural outliner.
Whether you're just starting your book or stuck mid-way, Brenda's practical tips will guide you through the process. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your genre, setting realistic deadlines, and understanding your characters' arcs. Plus, get insights into using tools like scene cards and software applications to organize your thoughts visually.
Join us as we explore how to turn chaos into creativity, making the writing journey less daunting and more enjoyable. Embrace the distractions that fuel your creativity and keep writing!
Show notes Season One Episode Nine
Link to Free Character Workbook https://BookHip.com/HDPNDMX
Link to my newsletter just for Writers https://BookHip.com/ZBMGLLR
Link to my blog for deeper dives into Writing While Distracted content https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/
Here is the link of for the Milanote App https://milanote.com
Here is the link for Scrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
Sandra Gerth’s book: Point of View: How to use the different POV types, avoid head-hopping, and choose the best point of view for your book (Writers’ Guide Series)
https://books2read.com/u/mgDWlz
Jordan Rosenfeld’s book Make a Scene Revised and Expanded Edition: Writing a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time
https://books2read.com/u/3LLzgw
Dustin Lance Black’s Writing Process https://youtu.be/vrvawtrRxsw?si=KaKtbpGmpJPrAOOi