Episodes
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Episode 155: How Much Should You Share About Your Book Before It’s Published?
You want to get readers excited, but what if someone steals your idea? This episode of The Kate and Abbie Show is a candid discussion about what to reveal, what to keep private, and how to build interest in your story while you’re still writing it.
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Episode 154: How to Start Building Your Author Platform TODAY (Even If You Don't Have a Book Published)
How do you build an author platform when you don't have a book out, you don't have a publishing deal, and you have NO idea what you're supposed to post about? If that's exactly where you are right now, this episode is for you.Kate and I have been publishing for 8+ years, and in this one we go all...
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Episode 153: The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Nobody tells you this when you're starting out: the biggest mistakes new authors make usually have NOTHING to do with the writing itself. 😬 In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we're getting real about the 5 biggest mistakes we made when we were first starting out as published...
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Episode 152: Why Your Story Isn’t Hitting (And How to Fix It)
Ever feel like your story just… isn’t hitting anymore? Like something is missing, the spark is gone, and suddenly every scene feels kind of *meh* no matter how hard you try to fix it? In this episode, Kate and I are sitting down for a very real conversation about WHY that happens — and how to...
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Episode 151: Do You Actually Need an Editor to Publish a Book?
If you’re a writer trying to figure out what you actually need before publishing your book… this episode is for you. Editors, beta readers, proofreaders, coaches... it can feel like you need all of it just to move forward. And it gets overwhelming (and expensive) fast. 😵💫PRE-ORDER ABBIE'S NEW...
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Episode 150: 7 Easy Ways To Add SUSPENSE To Your Story
Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down.From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking…
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Episode 149: How to Craft a Heartbreaking Villain's Backstory
Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding…
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Episode 148: 10 Hacks to Write FASTER in Less Time
Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without...
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Episode 147: How to Write MORE Words FASTER in 2025
Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a…
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Episode 146: How to Build a WRITING HABIT with NaNoWriMo
Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this...
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Episode 145: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2024
Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simply starting a new literary endeavor, we're here to help you prepare yourself to write your best novel. We will cut through the clutter and…
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Episode 144: How to Make INSTA-LOVE Just as Swoonworthy as Slow Burn Romance 😍
Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in today's podcast. We'll explore six powerful tried-and-true methods for making your couple's relationship feel well-developed and compelling, even if you're working…
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Episode 143: 5 Easy Ways to Make Your Characters More FLAWED and LOVABLE
Do you want to write flawed, lovable, and relatable characters? In this new podcast episode, we're exploring five simple techniques for making your characters more unique and realistic by giving them vices and virtues that will make your readers fall in love. Ready to take your characters to the...
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Episode 142: How to Make the Inciting Incident Happen in Chapter One
Do you want to kick your story off with a bang and captivate your readers in chapter one? The secret is to make us care about your characters and write an explosive inciting incident within those crucial first few pages of your story. That's why, in today's podcast, we're exploring how to shove...
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Episode 141: 3 Simple Ways to Fix BORING Dialogue
Is your dialogue falling flat, sounding repetitive, or feeling forced? Do you want to elevate your dialogue-writing skills but don’t know where to begin? In this new podcast episode, Kate and I reveal three game-changing tips to transform dull dialogue into compelling conversations—as well as how...
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Episode 140: Keys to Writing Writing a Powerful “Aha!” Moment
The "aha moment" is one of the most important parts of your ENTIRE story! In this episode, we're diving into your character's realization and transformation... and how to leave a lasting impact on your audience. This is YOUR moment – the reason why you wanted to write this story in the first…
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Episode 139: 6 MUST-KNOW TIPS for Young Writers (or Beginner Writers!)
Are you a young writer or just a beginner, and you’re feeling...overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. Kate and I are both familiar with the feeling of starting out on this writing journey and feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. How do you know if your writing is any good? When…
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Episode 138: How to Design a Book Cover That STANDS OUT
Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even begin with cover design? If so, today's podcast is for you. In this episode, Kate and I will divulge our best tips and techniques for designing a...
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Episode 137: How to Actually Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer
Do you ever compare your writing to others and feel like you just don't measure up? Does self-doubt ever make you want to throw your manuscript into the trash bin? Are you feeling discouraged because you're not where you want to be in your writing/publishing journey? If so, you’re not alone.…
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Episode 136: World-Building MISTAKES New Writers Make (Avoid These Cringeworthy Cliches!)
Crafting a fictional setting, also known as world-building, is a crucial aspect of any good story. A well-crafted setting has the power to capture our attention and transport us into the world of the characters. However, if you reveal your world in the wrong way, you risk boring your readers and...
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Episode 135: How to Write MORE WORDS in 2024
Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you feel like you just can't get enough words down? This year, all that can change. In this podcast episode, Kate and I will share simple but powerful techniques that can help you overcome this challenge. We'll dive into developing personalized...
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Episode 134: Answering YOUR writing questions! (End-of-Year Special)
You asked us writing questions... and we are here to answer them! In this end-of-year special episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we're sitting down and tackling your toughest writing struggles, offering insightful tips and tricks that have helped us throughout the years to build successful and...
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Episode 133: 7 Reasons To KEEP WRITING When You Feel Like Giving Up
Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we reach a point in the writing process where we ask ourselves: is it even worth it to keep going? We writers are introspective by nature, but…
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Episode 132: How to Break Through Writer's Block During NaNoWriMo
We’re nearly halfway through NaNoWriMo! A lot of writers experience a creative lull during the halfway point of a writing project — also known as the “mushy middle” 😰 when you might be feeling burnt out or lacking creativity. That’s why, in this new podcast, Kate and I are tackling one of the…
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Episode 131: How to Write Consistently Every Day for NaNoWriMo 2023
One of the most daunting hurdles for writers is finding the time to sit down and write. 😩🕒 Kate and I understand the struggle of juggling various responsibilities and still trying to squeeze in some time for writing. That's why, in today’s podcast, we’re sharing our best tips for building an...
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Episode 130: The #1 BIGGEST MISTAKE New Writers Make
There's one big mistake I often see many new writers make… a mistake that can ruin your whole story and end your author career before it even begins. (No exaggeration.) This mistake has destroyed many writers who could have been great, if they had just done this ONE THING differently. What is…
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Episode 129: How to Prepare to Write a Novel for NaNoWriMo 2023 ✨✍️ #Preptober
Preptober starts now! Are you preparing to write your novel for NaNoWriMo 2023, but you're not sure where to start? We believe that everyone's process is different -- and that's why, in today's podcast, Kate and I are sharing out perspectives and best advice for bringing joy and creative...
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Episode 128: Fall in LOVE With Your Side Characters – Tips for Writing an Unforgettable Cast of Characters
Are you struggling to make your side characters three-dimensional, relatable, and compelling? What if you could give them internal conflict that deepens their character and enriches the plot, even if they don't have a POV? In this episode, Kate and Abbie share tips and tricks for writing side...
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Episode 127: How to Write a Compelling Romance Between a Hero and Villain
Are you tired of the same old romance tropes? Do you want to shake things up and create a compelling love story between your hero and villain? If so, this new episode of The Kate and Abbie Show is for you! Today, we’re diving into the complexities of writing a romance between a protagonist and...
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Episode 126: How to Make Time to Write and Establish a Writing Routine That Lasts
Are you struggling to find time to write? Do you constantly find yourself procrastinating and avoiding your writing projects? Are you desperate to establish a writing habit that truly lasts? If so, today’s podcast is for you! In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, Abbie and I share powerful...
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Episode 125: How to Write a Bestselling Book Blurb
Condensing your perhaps 100k+ word book into a tiny blurb is no easy task! Many writers are intimidated by the idea of narrowing down their book to a mere, brief summery. We have but a moment to capture our readers attention! So what goes into crafting an engaging book blurb? We're breaking that...
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Episode 124: How to Write a BANGER Opening Hook For Your Story
Are you struggling to create an opening hook that truly grabs your reader's attention? Are you having trouble making your readers care about your characters and their desires? Do you feel like your world-building is getting in the way of your story? In this episode, we're discussing the key...
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Episode 123: How to write complex and RELATABLE anti-heroes (with story examples)
We often hear the phrase, "Anti-heroes are too good to be 'bad' but too bad to be 'good.'" But there's more to these broody, dark, and irresistible characters. In fact, some pretty distinct features go into crafting an unforgettable (and completely lovable) anti-hero. So if you're writing a...
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Episode 122: How to Write Better Descriptions and Make Your Writing Style Shine
Writing clear and captivating descriptions isn't always as easy as it sounds. We've heard from so many writers who struggle with this complex aspect of the writing process. Descriptions have the potential to immerse us in a story, transport us to new worlds, and introduce us to vivid characters....
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Episode 121: How to Write the END of Your Story and Leave a Lasting Impact on Your Readers
Not sure how to end your story? You want to write an unforgettable ending that will leave a lasting impression on your readers… but how do you pull that off in a powerful way? In today’s podcast, Abbie and I share the most important keys to writing an emotional and satisfying ending for your…
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Episode 120: How to Instantly Give Your Characters Internal Conflict
If you've ever read through a manuscript and worried that the internal conflict of your characters is just missing something but you can't quite put your finger on what... this episode is for you. Today, Abbie and I are discussing how to instantly take your character's internal conflict to the…
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Episode 119: The Ultimate Guide to Writing SLOW-BURN Romance
Are you struggling to write a slow-burn romance that will make your readers fall in love and hold their interest until the very end? If so, today’s podcast is for you. We’re talking all about how to write BETTER SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. In this episode, Abbie and I are case-studying some of our…
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Episode 118: 6 Cliché Tropes We Love/Hate...and How to Make Them NOT Cliché
Are you afraid that what you're writing has all been done before? Is it too "cliche"? Is it an overused trope? Should you avoid writing tropes, or is there a right way to do it? In this episode, Abbie and I are delving into all things tropes, and answering the question that many writers have been...
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Episode 117: Write a BETTER Epic Fantasy Novel... Debunking Top Myths, and Breaking the Rules
Are you ever overwhelmed by just how much information is out there about how to structure your fantasy world, your magic system, your characters, and your plot? There's a lot of information out there, and it can all be a little daunting. In this episode, Kate and Abbie are speaking from their own...
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Episode 116: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers - And Feel Better Than Ever
Do you struggle as an author with comparing yourself to other writers? That sinking feeling of dread that fills you when you scroll through social media or read articles online... this persistent fear of not being able to succeed as a writer. Do you find yourself facing this battle? If so, you…
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Episode 115: How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer
Do you struggle with self-doubt as a writer? Do you often wonder if your writing is good enough or if you have what it takes to make your author dreams come true? If so, this podcast is for you. In this episode, Abbie and I share some lifesaving mindset shifts that have helped us to overcome...
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Episode 114: Stop Procrastination and Write the Book of Your Dreams
Have you been procrastinating your writing lately? Are you torn between your desire to create and your fear that whatever you write will be total rubbish? If so, this new podcast is for you. Instead of blasting motivational music and muscling through your discomfort, Abbie and I take a holistic...
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Episode 113: How to Accomplish Your Writing Goals in 2023
Ready to make your author dreams come true in 2023? This new podcast is for you! No more procrastinating, putting off that editing project, or convincing yourself you need to "do more research" before you can start writing that new novel you've been dreaming about. It's a new year – time to MAKE…
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Episode 112: How to Write Better CHARACTER VOICE (with examples)
What are the three key ingredients to writing spot-on character voice? That's the question we're exploring in today's podcast. As writers, we want to build strong, engaging characters that will hook our readers on page one -- and while we want these characters to have transformative journeys and...
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Episode 111: How to Write Better Character Chemistry & Craft ADDICTIVE Relationships
Chemistry: that magic ingredient in a story that makes character relationships feel so darn REAL. What is it about a certain "ship," dynamic duo, or group of friends that makes us fall in love so much we can't shut up about them, need to make fan art & videos, and think about these characters as…
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Episode 110: How to Write Better INTERNAL CONFLICT
If you’ve been on mine and Abbie’s respective channels, or watched this podcast for any length of time, you know that Abbie and I believe that this ONE ELEMENT is the most important part of telling a good story -- and that is... INTERNAL CONFLICT. Internal conflict is the desire and fear that…
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Episode 109: How to Write the Screenplay of Your Dreams - Turn Your Story Into an Unforgettable Film
Ever dreamed of turning your story idea or novel into a film, but have NO IDEA how to go about screenwriting? Have you ever felt bewildered by all the multifaceted layers to writing a script - like formatting, and what kind of programs to use, or whether or not your even QUALIFIED to write a...
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Episode 108: How to Write a BETTER NOVEL this NaNoWriMo
Tomorrow marks the first day of NaNoWriMo 2022! Who's ready? In this episode, we wanted to provide a burst of insight and helpful tools to arm your for your most fun & successful National Novel Writing Month yet, whether this is your first crack at the challenge, or your 10th. With these basic,...
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EPISODE 107: 3 Keys to Immersive Dialogue (with examples!)
Do you want to write better dialogue? If so, this new podcast is for you. When dialogue is written well, it can take your WIP to new heights, making your story feel vivid and realistic... but when written weakly, dialogue can feel difficult to believe and connect with, and actually distract from...
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Episode 106: The 3 KEYS to Writing Lovable SIDE CHARACTERS
Do you want to write unforgettable side characters? If so, this episode is for you. Side characters can often take a backseat to the main story and sometimes feel like filler to simply add to the length of the plot. Sometimes they act as a comic relief or as a side-kick that helps the main...
About this show
Kate and Abbie Emmons are sisters, best friends, and authors on a mission to help you stoke your creative fire and live the life of your dreams.
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Kate and Abbie Emmons
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