Category Archives: Write Better

Episode 4: Doing it All – A Bestselling Indie Author Spills Her Secrets

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Which came first? The chicken or the egg, the illustration or the story? A. R. Redington is both an author and an illustrator, and she tells us how the two work together to bring her books to life. Switching to art and creating an image can get her past writer’s block. Conversely, creating an image can inspire a story or suggest a character to her.

Those of us like me who don’t have both talents can learn a lot from A.R., who writes in several different genres but likes to explore the dark side of humanity in all of them. As a #1 Audible and Amazon bestselling author, she’s able to discuss the pros and cons of various self-publishing platforms, the best ways indie authors can sell their books and how she overcomes social anxiety to meet her readers.

You’ll also hear a reading from a work-in-progress at the Badass Writers’ Café and tonight is Open Mic Night! (Go to Facebook and critique what you heard.) The Question of the Week is answered by some podcast listeners. The inspirational quote addresses something that mystifies a lot of us: where does creativity come from?

The Write Like a Badass Podcast is by, about and for writers. Welcome to your tribe! You can find the pod on all major podcast services. Make sure you subscribe, so you don’t miss an episode (maybe the one that could help you get past your current writing stumbling block). Like, rate and review, too.

“Talk” to you soon!

Episode 3: Writing Nonfiction for Love AND Money – a Published Author’s Story

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What does it feel like to get paid for doing something you love? Paul Vachon writes books about history, which he is passionate about. And – this is going to make many writers, including myself, jealous – publishers reach out to him, not vice versa. How did Paul get started? How does he take a topic and turn it into a full-length book? His books are based on actual people and events, so accuracy is a priority. How much research and fact-checking is involved? Has he ever disagreed with editors about a change they want made?

In addition to my conversation with Paul, you’ll hear from podcast listeners! Writers Megan Cain and Mac McFarland talk about what writing success means to them. Another brave (anonymous) writers reads out loud from their work-in-progress. And you may disagree with this episode’s inspirational quote. Hmmmm.

You can find the Write Like a Badass podcast on all of the major podcast platforms. Subscribe, so you won’t miss anything. Like, review and rate, to help me keep the podcast moving ahead. (Five stars would be very nice!)

Episode 2: Writing that First Book: What Took You So Long?

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You’ve wanted to write for a long time. You have an idea for a story or maybe a nonfiction book in your head, and it’s been there for a while. Why haven’t you acted on it? What’s holding you back? Should you just forget about it? Forget about being a writer? Are you ever too old to start writing?

These are serious questions, but my conversation with Shannon Groves is anything but serious! If Shannon brings a tenth of her hilarious, sparkling personality to that children’s book she intends to write, it will be w. But is wonderful. But why is she just talking about writing? Will she actually get down to this long-simmering project?

Shannon has something many writers of children’s books do not have: a home-grown illustrator. Her daughter is an artist and will illustrate the book that Shannon promises she’ll write. (She will come back on the podcast sometime in the future to give us an update on it.)

If you’ve been on the fence about starting your writing journey, this episode is a must-listen for you! Veteran writers will enjoy being reminded of their starts. You can find the Write Like a Badass podcast on all of the major podcast platforms. Subscribe, so you don’t miss a thing!

Write Like a Badass Podcast, Episode 1

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Collaborating on a Writing Project: Challenges and Rewards

Find the Write Like a Badass Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms. Watch the video of this conversation on Youtube at:

What happens when two good friends – both experienced writers – decide to write a play together? Will their writing styles clash, or mesh? How do they navigate differences of opinion? How do they get beyond being nice to each other and start being honest with each other?

Tony Targan and Dave Durham are Detroit-area multi-hyphenates (acting, directing, playwriting) who embarked on an adventure in writing that was new to both them. Learn why they did it and what the outcome was in this lively and frank conversation. In the photos below, Dave is on the left and Tony on the right.

Our conversation may inspire you to reach out to a fellow writer for a collaborative project yourself!

Episode 1 also has a brave writer read from their work-in-progress for Open Mic Night at the Badass Writers Café – and you’ll get a chance to critique it afterward. There is also a Question of the Week, answered by podcast listeners. This one’s about money! And finally, if your creative motivation is running low, you’ll get it charged back up with an inspirational quote by Margaret Atwood.

The Write Like a Badass Podcast is by, about and for writers. Welcome to your tribe!