All About Writing

Is it possible to write books in story universes that were created by other people? Another creator’s work is called their Intellectual Property, or IP, and the answer is… maybe? It depends. Join Ben & Sara as they interview special guest M.K. Wiseman who successfully joined the ranks of published creators in an existing, world-famous IP.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/Fwq2LScWzjkTo learn more about M.K. Wiseman, they're findable on most platforms @FaublesFables  To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

What on earth is a trope? It’s a term thrown around in literary circles to describe something really important that every author should understand. Join Ben & Sara to find out what it is.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/xjVN8A-aiWcTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Writing retreats are one of the fabled parts of being an author: a secluded location, a cadre of like-minded artists, inspiration galore and just some peace and quiet… But what are writing retreats really like? Why would you want to attend one? Ben & Sara are joined by special guest Carol Johnson to learn the facts about this amazing tool for writers.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/yGSD56CLbg8To learn more about Carol and Foreword Retreats visit:forewordretreats.comhttps://www.instagram.com/foreword_retreats/To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Everyone has a story worth telling. But how do you make sure that your story comes to life on the page? What is a memoir? How do authors approach them? Join Ben & Sara as they take the first steps into the big, wide world of writing memoirs.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/N68DiVlTmqITo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Book tours sound like a lot of fun. Don’t they? Are they a worthwhile investment for an author or just a big waste of time? Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the pros and cons of in-person book tours for authors.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/S5QyfGcLhboTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Have you ever thought about joining a writer’s club? What is one, what’s involved, and how do you find one? What’s the time commitment if you do? Ben and Sara invite George Weinstein of the Atlanta Writers Club to discuss the ins and outs of said writer’s club to share all about it.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/k7V8HRjncpoTo learn more about our guest George Weinstein, check out his links below, as well as more about the Atlanta Writers Club.Atlanta Writers Club website: http://www.AtlantaWritersClub.org Author website: http://www.GeorgeWeinstein.com His Kindle, audiobook & paperback formats: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00J60UPGE To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

So… how DOES one get into screenwriting? We’ve all heard that Hollywood is all about who you know, but what if you don’t know anyone? And what’s the difference between an agent, a rep and a manager? Join Ben & Sara as they dive into the arcane world of getting scripts in front of the right eyes.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/LBLg88k399wTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

What is a critique partner? If it sounds interesting – or it sounds scary – then you should listen to this episode. Join Ben & Sara as they welcome special guests Jill Evans and Lauren McGuire to dive deep into this valuable tool for writers.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/CHdD_rGBRLcTo learn more about our guest Jill Evans, please visit www.jillevans.comTo learn more about our guest Lauren McGuire, you can find her at:@laurenmcguire (Substack) https://laurenmcguirestoried.blogspot.com @McguireStoriedTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

If you're considering attending a writing conference, you might want to learn a bit about what to expect, the costs and who you'll meet. More importantly, what is the point of attending at all? Join Ben and Sara as they discuss their experiences and how to get the most out of your expectations at conferences.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/3HmJuNdv2B4To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben and Sara tackle the ageless question on this Christmas Day episode: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Or...not? Wading into the weeds on this, they discuss how marketing can make or break a book's success when released, which, while not as much fun as discussing Hollywood stars, is hopefully quite useful!To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/Is0A0C8Lpy0To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Romantasy is one of the most persistently popular book genres in recent years. But what is it? What’s the big deal? And why are millions of readers devouring it? Join Ben & Sara as they dive deep into this fascinating genre of writing.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/4N1xMqiziwATo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben and Sara bring in voice actor Sandra Murphy (yup, she's so good, she's SAG!) to talk about the basics of audiobooks - what to expect, how to go about getting one started, what to consider, and the whole overarching introduction to audiobooks in general. To check out all about Sandra, and find out more about her work, visit any of the following links:Web: https://www.voicemama.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicemama_/ACX: https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A1EWXJ462NPW46To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/w9-C3XZ1-qgTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Author newsletters are a big part of getting the word out about your book. But what do you say in them? How often should you create one? Join Ben & Sara as they unpack the intricacies of this essential marketing tool.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/GrY1pomBUikTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Writing movies is different than writing television episodes, and screenwriting for a feature film doesn't have a writer's room. But there's still a ton of collaboration that goes into it, and structure that may be familiar for those who write novels, too. Join Ben and Sara as they discuss in broad strokes the art of writing a film.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/V2lzcx_Z3GcTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Sometimes it's important to stop and ask ourselves...why do we write? We ask "why is this character acting like this" but we often forget to look inward, too. Self-reflection is important for writers - it helps us set goals and keep things in perspective, celebrate the wins and strategize for the future. Ben and Sara discuss their own "whys" and how to use our introspection for our writing careers.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/4zncmXwpfQETo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

How much to writers actually get paid in the traditional publishing industry? What about self-publishing? And how many books can an author realistically expect to sell? Ben puts on his publisher hat and answers Sara’s questions about the reality behind book sales.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/4SPvsItbKfE To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they welcome Rebekah Bryan, who is not only an author but also a fashion consultant specifically for authors to aid them on creating persona and branding. Together, the three of them discuss how one article of clothing or costumes or anything in between can help with your author persona, whether that's on social media or at in-person events. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/KLT3bCklg0YTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com And check out all of Rebekah's fashion offerings here:Website https://styledwithatwist.com/YouTube https://youtube.com/@styledwithatwist (or see Rebekah's interview about Sara in her plaid shirts: https://youtu.be/PDyiMB7yZ_Y)Instagram https://www.instagram.com/styled.withatwistFacebook https://www.facebook.com/styledw.atwistTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@styled.withatwistLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-bryan-030846339OR!Rebekah's author links:Website https://rebekahnbryan.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebekahnbryanFacebook https://www.facebook.com/rebekahnbryan TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rebekahnbryan

Join Ben & Sara as they dive into what constitutes a chapter - are there any loose rules, page counts, and requirements? They talk about the ways to break apart plots and pacing, what kind of chapters suit certain genres, and what kind of tool a chapter is for writing books overall.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/C1x11Y_n8cETo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben and Sara talk researching - and the surprising genres that actually require it. From what consitutes a proper source, and what doesn't, and the unique places a writer can find inspiration and tactile experiences to perform research beyond books, they dive into what researching really means, from a 1000 foot view.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/wIlrf4EyP3ATo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the pros and cons of collaborating with another writer. This is not ghost-writing - this is sharing a byline with someone else. They discuss in brief the legalities, but also the most important tips to working with another person and how you can break up the writing duties fairly.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/AH7B8zYFXDkTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben and Sara as they drink all the wine and discuss a bit about themselves - mostly, horror movies they find the scariest and have scarred them the most. Granted, neither watch much horror. So these are also sort of like the only horror films they've ever seen. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/QJLdKOSDNwMTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the mega-plot. This is mostly for those writing a series - and ideally something you decide before you even write book 1. Learn: what is a "mega-plot" or "story engine" for a series?To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link:https://youtu.be/_4imYSWce88To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about how to make a living as a writer in ways other than writing books. If you have an interest in getting paid to write, there’s plenty of opportunities out there.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/HTooys23pU4To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben & Sara are joined by special Spade Robinson, a professor and industry expert on all things screenwriting. Join us in a wide-ranging discussion about the ins and outs of writing screenplays for the contemporary film industry.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/rrIJv-ncbycTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about worldbuilding. Every story, no matter the genre, needs some aspect of worldbuilding, but how much effort should you put into it?To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/dZxgfvZIPaoTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben & Sara bring back screenwriter, director, and film producer Timothy Boissey to discuss what working with Hollywood looks like, what to expect, and insider realities when it comes to building a career in the film industry.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/6Xq8-OBtS7cTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Valerie Biel returns to talk to Ben & Sara about marketing for authors, and deep dives into author websites: what they are, the best way to utilize them, and what to include online for readers to find and learn about you – the author!To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/SHB1LwjLLnYTo discover more about Valerie, her marketing work, and her books, visit: https://valeriebiel.comTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about subtitles, how they can help sell your book and when it’s a good idea to use them. And also, when it’s not such a good idea to use them.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/kSC_Cn4AfmsTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Ben and Sara discuss the differences between using past tense and present tense in writing fiction and non-fiction, general publishing expectations around certain genres, when and how to use, mix and match, and when you generally don't want to use different verb tenses.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/PiTo3jVzSpYTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Sara interviews Ben, an experienced ghostwriter. He offers the basics and nitty gritty of what it is, what it takes, and the pros and cons of working as a ghostwriter.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/0Q2jr2mHz-8To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Listen to Ben and Sara talk about expectations of yourself, your writing, and why it's important to give yourself permission to not be perfect as your work on your craft.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/WkDHh0aJIJITo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the first step in getting your screenplay in front of Hollywood: the pitch deck!To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/B3-jio9Ozt0To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they sit down with marketing expert Judith Sanvicente to discuss author style. What’s that, you ask? Tune in to find out.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/n_tXnUTtCFM To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the implications of using a pseudonym as an author. What are some reasons to use one? What are the pros and cons?To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/HbpF0Jvy2lcTo learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they discuss the process of uncovering and understanding your main character. How do you decide who is the main character? Can you have more than one? Is it always who you thought it was?To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/Pr0iNONtdm8To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about their favorite books. The most influential, the most enjoyable and the ones they always have ready on the shelf.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/EgpxwCmMEz0To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about the different points of view (POV) you can use in your writing. First Person, Third Person Limited, Third Person Omniscient and even Second Person are all on the table. To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/ArLokDKtex8To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about how you can draw from your own life and experience to help get your story started.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/rKsOoT9et_8To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk with their guest, Hollywood screenwriter and producer Tim Boissey, about the many ins and outs of writing a pilot and getting it seen.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/DO69Ix_thLUTo learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk with their guest, book marketing guru Valerie Biel, about the importance of reviews.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/G-A_cTgTb04To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they dive into the murky world of publishing. As professionals familiar with both traditional and indie publishing, they share their stories and their scars.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/ZwmtQwmt87ETo learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Join Ben & Sara as they talk about the fine art of character creation and offer insights into their own inspirations and processes.To watch this episode on Youtube, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/Xnyig738HJ4To learn more Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.com 

Do writers need a designated writer's group? What constitutes one, and what should a writer expect? There are many types of writing groups and experiences to be hand within them, with pros, cons and general expectations to have going in. Ben and Sara dive into what a writer's group is and what it can offer writers of all experiences.To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/u2bkkGOK9GILearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

We all read books, and especially if we're writers ourselves, books are an important part of our internal clocks when it comes to being inspired. Whether that's a style of writing, world building, a specific genre, or even a singular book that inspired us to become writers in the first place, what is it about other authors and books that both awe us and make us into the writers we are in the first place?To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/LmXeS0EemIwLearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

A novelist's dream is to see their books played out on the silver screen. But the adaptation from books to scripts, and then from scripts to film or TV is a long, arduous journey that comes with a lot of two steps back and half a step forward. Ben and Sara discuss their own experiences with book options, production processes and what it takes to let go of the IP (your books and creative) to help usher along the project to the best of an author's ability.To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/PNUwtoscCFILearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara bring back guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, to dive into the details on how to best work with an editor to have a great working relationship and get the best book out of the process. Learn what to do and not do when you bring an editor into your book writing, and what to look for when trying to find an editor to start!To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/StTsbjZrLg4Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara bring marketing guru Judith San Vicente to All About Writing in this episode about marketing. What is a marketing team? How do you hire one, and what should authors expect when doing so? What do marketing professionals do for authors, and how soon one should be brought into the process - the answer is much sooner than one might expect! Learn from Judith's expertise as she offers insider tips on how to make the most of your book promotions.Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/mM8sDJwX-aILearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

This is a way for you to get to know us a little bit away from books. We recorded this around Christmas, and as the New Year hits, we wanted to share not our favorite top five desserts, but the ones we dislike the most, starting from the "ok, it's not the worst" to "the absolute most disgusting". We disagree, drink a bit more wine, and look forward to hearing how everyone either also disagrees or totally agrees with us! Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/X97JZYISxeILearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara have a little back and forth (it's definitely NOT a disagreement) about where a story truly starts. Is it in the backstory? The moment the real action begins? There's more than one place to start a story, but they boil down to some of the best spots to do so. Ben also divulges some of his editorial and publishing pet peeves about where *not* to start a book!To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/h_XiCVMZDuQLearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Writing is a creative process to be sure, and even some of the other elements around it can be creative - such as dreaming up unique marketing strategies. But in the end, to most book professionals, writing is a business. How can you frame your mind to see the pieces of the industry like the money-making opportunity it may be? Join Ben and Sara as they delve into the business side of books.To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/GdvFDtF3ikkLearn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/