Write Now with Broadleaf Writers

The roundtable is back for round two and we're introducing three new board members! On this episode, we introduce authors Lorraine Lai, Kim Poovey, and Crystal Wilkins for a discussion on their writing origins, writing journey, some haunted house talk, and the differences between indie and traditional publishing routes.

The roundtable is back and we're introducing all new board members! In the first of two episodes, we introduce authors Piper Huguley and D.C. Phillips for a discussion on their lives, thier writing journeys, Piper getting in trouble for researching, and D.C.'s dark humor.

On this episode, Zach is joined by screenwriter, comic book writer, and the author of Godfall, Van Jensen for an in-depth look into Van's new novel, his process of blending sci-fi with mystery, and the acquisition of Godfall by director Ron Howard.You can find more on Van at https://www.vanjensen.com/.

Annell Garcia Gerson, owner and operator of Bookmiser bookshop in Roswell, Gerogia, joins Author and Broadleaf Board Member Dawn Major for a discussion on what author should, or should not, do when trying to get their books in a bookstore, and for a behind the curtain look at what bookstores actually make on each book. Hint, it's not much.For more information on Bookmiser, visit them in Roswell or at https://www.bookmiser.net/

Broadleaf Board member and author Dawn Major is joined by author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, naturalist, and environmental activist Janisse Ray for a discussion on defining genre in your writing, journaling as a tool to help refine scenes, and her book Journey In Place: A Field Guide to Belonging.For more on Janisse, visit her at https://janisseray.com/.

Our latest member spotlight with Patricia Boyd-Wilson. Website: https://bene-log.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063344311914 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patricia-A-Boyd-Wilson/author/B09237MWQM

Daniel Wallace, the bestselling author of Big Fish (adapted into a movie directed by Tim Burton) joins author and Broadleaf board member Dawn Major for a discussion on his new collected work, Beneath the Moon and Long Dead Stars, the importance of Southern fiction, and cultivating a strong sense of story in flash and short fiction.To find out more about Daniel, visit him at danielwallace.org.

On this episode, author D.C. Phillips joins author and Broadleaf board member Dawn Major for a conversation on bringing the fear in horror and leaving your reader with a lasting scare. D.C. also discusses Effigies and Incantations, an anthology of horror, featuring several Broadleaf members, of which he served as editor.To follow D.C. visit https://linktr.ee/frightfulfables.

Author Elise Burke Brown discusses her award-winning novel, CHASE HARLEM, with writer and Broadleaf board member, Carmen Tanner Slaughter.For more on Elise, visit her website at https://www.eliseburkebrown.com/.

On this episode, we head back to the roundtable for a discussion on getting your butt in the seat and writing the damn book, with Broadleaf board members Carmen Slaughter and Jessica Bowers (writing as Odessa Blaine).From finding the motivation and courage to sit and write, to the genre we write in and why, to a Clay McLeod Chapman appreciation hour (and plug for the 10th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference!), get to know the voices behind the curtain and why the organization means so much to so many.

On this episode of the Broadleaf Roundtable, board members and authors Benji Carr and Shay Rodricks join Zach for a discussion on process and revision, digging into their thoughts on writer's block, imposter syndrome, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a community of supportive writers.

Author Helen P. Bradley joins author and Broadleaf board member Dawn Major, for an in-depth discussion on an author's role in marketing and how taking a grassroots approach might give you far greater benefit than traditional social media.You can learn more about Helen at https://www.helenpbradley.com/.

Author and certified book coach, Monica Cox, joins us for a discussion on the importance of finding needed assistance in completing and editing your manuscript, the best way to approach editing, and how being part of a writing community can help you achieve your goal of publication.

Author Jessica Strawser joins us to break down the particulars of staying true to your POV, how to avoid head hopping, and the many hats she's worn on her path to publication.Find more about Jessica at https://jessicastrawser.com/.

On this episode of the Broadleaf Roundtable, Zach is joined by Founding board member and author Bill Bridges and board member and author Dawn Major for a conversation on the books, movies, and characters that inspired them and how they've influenced their writing.

Author Vanessa Reid joins Crystal O'Leary-Davidson for a conversation on the importance of writing community, how they've tailored their own to support women, and how to go about finding a community that's right for you.

On this episode, Jeffrey Blount, the award-winning author of Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way, joins us to discuss the power of words and why literary activism is so important.To learn more about Jeffrey visit his website at jeffreyblount.com.

Author and podcaster Corey Gladwell joins us to discuss his journey, the publishing industry, the work he does through Authrs.io, and offers some insights on how to start and run a successful podcast.

Welcome to the roundtable! Each month we'll visit with members of the Broadleaf Board of Directors to discuss various aspects of their writing journeys, what brought them to the Broadleaf board, and dig into areas of writing and publishing.On this episode, author, editor, and Broadleaf founder Zachary Steele is joined by Ann Hite, Jeff Clemmons, and Crystal O'Leary-Davidson for a conversation on the writing place and method.

On this episode, we're joined by author Sheila Hudson for a conversation on the cozy mystery, how it differs from the traditional mystery, and the influences that began Sheila's writing journey.

From poetry to fiction to history to the stage, is there a written genre John M. Williams hasn’t dipped his toe into?In this edition of the Broadleaf Member Spotlight, board member Jessica Bowers sat down to talk with John about his career, genre hopping, and community. You can find out more about John M. Williams on his website: https://johnmwilliams.net/ or on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/334629.John_M_Williams

Welcome to the roundtable! Each month we'll visit with members of the Broadleaf Board of Directors to discuss various aspects of their writing journeys, what brought them to the Broadleaf board, and dig into areas of writing and publishing.On this episode, author, editor, and Broadleaf founder Zachary Steele is joined by authors Robert Gwaltney and Eliot Parker for to discuss what inspires them as writers.

From crafting memorable characters and choosing which to feature, to finding a unique voice for each perspective, managing multiple characters through a story is one of the more important facets of writing. On this episode, Zach is joined by author Laura Morris for a deep dive on the craft behind writing multiple POV’s. To learn more about Laura, visit his website at www.lauraleighmorris.com.

On this episode, Zach is joined by James Wade, the award-winning author of four novels, including his latest Hollow Out the Dark, for a discussion on ways to approach building a memorable and vivid world and story.To learn more about James visit www.jameswadewriter.com

Write Now returns with Tra Battle, former professional football player and author of When Two Homes Feel Like One, for a discussion on addressing the difficulties children face and how it might negatively affect their mental health. Tra lays out his five-book plan, how we can provide the tools kids needs as they move toward adulthood, and the phone call that saved his life.An inspirational conversation about the importance of mental health and how we can work daily to address mounting pressures and trauma for ourselves and those around us.

Author, editor, and Broadleaf Writers founder, Zachary Steele is joined by Maryann Lozano, President of the Broadleaf Board and conference chair for the 9th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference, coming September 21-22, 2024 at the Decatur Library in Decatur, Georgia.Zach and Maryann discuss why writing conferences are so important, and are joined by conference speakers, including #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews, authors DL Mitchell, Marlena Frank, Anthony Grooms, Julia Franks, Bernette Sherman, and literary agent Stephanie Hollifield.For more information on the 9th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference, or to register today, visit https://broadleafwriters.com/9th-annual-broadleaf-writers-conference/. Information on pitch sessions, mentoring sessions, the First Pages Critique, and the schedule of sessions can all be found there, so check it out!

Author Paul Luikart joins us for a discussion on how building a story parallels a great expedition and why letting your characters guide the journey leads to the greatest discoveries.To learn more about Paul, you can follow him on Substack at https://paulluikart.substack.com/._______For those interested, the referenced archeology comparison includes the following steps:a.  Hypothesis creation (the kernel of the idea)b. Survey + site location (worldbuilding: where)c.   Excavation (digging in for characters and plot)d.   data collecting and recording (research and notes)e.   laboratory and conservation (outlining)f.    interpretation (writing the book)g.  publication (publishing)

Author Julian Winters joins Zach for a discussion on the differences between writing YA and adult fiction, story beats, and his process for building a great story.To learn more about Julian, visit his website at julianwinters.com.

In this episode, Zach is joined by Angela DeCaires, the CEO of Book Logix, for a discussion on common mistakes made in publishing and how you can avoid making them.To learn more about BookLogix, visit their website at booklogix.com.

On this episode, we're joined by John DeDakis, award-winning novelist and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”, for a discussion on Facing Your Fears … a struggle every author knows all too well.To learn more about John, visit his website at johndedakis.com.

Book coach and editor, Nicole Whisler, joins Zach for a discussion on when a writer should consider a book coach, what they do, and the line between editor and book coach is often blurred.For more on Nicole, visit her at https://www.whisleredits.com/.

Jessia Bowers, of the Broadleaf Board of Directors, and Broadleaf's Social Media Guru, joins one of our community--VC Marello--for a discussion on his writing journey.

On this episode of The Breakdown, author, editor, and Broadleaf founder Zachary Steele digs into show versus tell, why it's one of the most important writing lessons you can learn, and how to apply it in all that you write.

On this episode author and Broadleaf founder Zachary Steele is joined by author, podcaster, and indie tabletop game designer Bob McGough for a deep dive into the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing.For more on Bob, visit his site at https://talesbybob.com/.

Have you wondered what copyright law covers in your work, or when or how to go about applying for a copyright? Join us as we welcome attorney Lee Morin for an in-depth conversation on copyrights and how you can ensure your work, and your livelihood, is protected.

Author, activist, and reknown storyteller Kimberly L. Jones joins Zach for a conversation on the elements of a good story, how improv helped her dig deeper, and why she'll never have to worry about writing a memoir.For more information on Kimberly, visit https://www.kimjoneswrites.com/.

Author Christopher Swann, 2022 Georgia Author of the Year, and the author of five novels, joins Zach for a discussion on how to build a narrative arc and handle character journeys through both a standalone and a series of books.Visit Christopher at https://christopherswann.com/.

On this spotlight, Broadleaf Board Member and Director of Social media visits with author Vanessa Howren Reid for a discussion on her writing journey, her inspirations, her recent short story publication, and why being involved with writing organizations and a writing community is so important.If you’re interested in joining Broadleaf to have your time your time in the spotlight, you can do so at https://broadleafwriters.com/become-a-member/.

Andy Davidson, the Bram Stoker nominated author of In the Valley ofthe Sun, The Boatman’s Daughter, and the Hollow Kind, joins Zachfor a discussion on how to create characters the reader won’t forget.

On this special episode, we turn the spotlight on one the members of our writing community, Kristine Rudolph. Kristine is interviewed by Broadleaf Board member, Jessica Bowers. The duo discuss Kristine's writing journey, how she met her agent, Moe Ferrera of BookEnd Literary, at the 2019 Broadleaf Writers Conference, and dig into why Kristine writes for kids.If you're interested in joining Broadleaf to have your time in the spotlight, you can do so at https://broadleafwriters.com/become-a-member/. To learn more about Kristine, or to view the entire podcast, visit https://broadleafwriters.com/member-spotlight/ and click on her name from the drop down menu.

On this episode of Write Now, Zach is joined southern literary icon, Ron Rash, bestselling and award-winning author of Serena, The Caretaker, The World Made Straight, and many, many more. Ron discusses his Southern roots, storytelling, why he chooses not to outline, his approach to editing, and how he uses time & place as a character in his novels.

Once you've signed with a literary agent, what can you expect from that working relationship? We're joined by literary agent Eric Smith of P.S. Literary and Adam Sass, author of Surrender Your Sons and The 99 Boyfriends of Michah Summers. At the time of the recording, Adam was represented by Eric, which gave us a great opportunity to talk about the author/agent dynamic.

We welcome literary agents Elizabeth Copps and Maeve Maclysaght of Copps Literary Services for a discussion on what you should, or should not, have in your first page. With the aid of three anonymous submissions, Elizabeth and Maeve also breakdown how the pages caught their attention, or where the writer might need some additional work.The first page is vital to your submissions to agents and editors, so take this opportunity to learn how to get it right!

On this this throwback episode, literary agent and founder of LCS Literary Services, Latoya Smith, discusses what happens after an agent signs a writer, the dark side of advances, and the advantages of retaining an agent for deals with small and mid-level publishers!Be sure to check out LCS Literary Services at lcsliterary.com.

Editing guru and author of Get a Grip on Your Grammar, Kris Spisak, joins author and Broadleaf Writers founder, Zachary Steele, for an in-depth conversation on the process of editing, why it's so important to get it right, and how to get the most out of your manuscript.

Literary agent Lauren Spieller joins us for a breakdown of what does, and does not, work in a query letter, offers some examples of query letters that led to signing clients and publishing deals, and discusses how the proper tone in a query can make all the difference.