All About Writing

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/3HmJuNdv2B4

To 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/Is0A0C8Lpy0

To 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/4N1xMqiziwA

To 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=A1EWXJ462NPW46

To watch this episode o...

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/GrY1pomBUik

To 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_Z3Gc

To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com 

To learn more about Sara visit www.saradahmen.c...

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/4zncmXwpfQE

To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.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/KLT3bCklg0Y

To learn more about Ben visit www.bennettrcoles.com 

To learn more ab...

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_n8cE

To 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/wIlrf4EyP3A

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 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/AH7B8zYFXDk

To 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/QJLdKOSDNwM

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 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/_4imYSWce88

To 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/HTooys23pU4

To 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-ncbyc

To 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/dZxgfvZIPao

To 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-OBtS7c

To 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/SHB1LwjLLnY

To discover more about Valerie, her marketing work, and her books, visit: https://valeriebiel.com

To 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_Cn4Afms

To 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/PiTo3jVzSpY

To 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-8

To 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/WkDHh0aJIJI

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 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-jio9Ozt0

To 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/HbpF0Jvy2lc

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 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/Pr0iNONtdm8

To 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/EgpxwCmMEz0

To 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/ArLokDKtex8

To 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_8

To 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_thLU

To 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_cTgTb04

To 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/ZwmtQwmt87E

To 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/Xnyig738HJ4

To 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/u2bkkGOK9GI

Learn 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/LmXeS0EemIw

Learn more about Ben at: https...

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...

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/StTsbjZrLg4

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https...

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-aI

Learn more...

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/X97JZYISxeI

Learn more about Ben a...

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_XiCVMZDuQ

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about...

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/GdvFDtF3ikk

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
...

Writers often struggle with their first draft. Should it be perfect? When and how should one go back and edit? What if things aren't working out? What happens if you want to give up? As Ben and Sara discuss--the first draft is typically crap, but you can't fix what isn't built. Join them as they dissect how to barrel through that first draft.

To watch this episode instead, visit: https://youtu.be/W2n9fU9Ok1k

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

When writers hear all about the current book trends, craze, or popular genres and tropes, the question becomes: should I write what I want, or what might sell? Ben and Sara discuss the pros and cons of chasing trends, and how it factors into the publishing timeline for both traditional and indie authors.

To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/mSLOlycG7vI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara welcome guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, and discuss the pros and cons of handing over your manuscript to a beta reader or editor, and when to know it's the right time to do so. Perfect information for those uncertain about the next steps after their first draft - or drafts - are complete!

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/vI8GUUJ8mN4

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

What's the climax of any book - no matter the genre? And where does it belong, how do you properly lead up to it, and what are cardinal rules about delivering a long-awaited "big bang" of a book? Join Ben and Sara as they discuss the most important piece of any novel.

To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/2tfU_IC1mnw

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Everyone is busy, and everyone has a life, but when you're a writer, you still have to figure out how to create a schedule or a formula that allows you the ability to carve out, or set aside time and a way to get some writing in! Ben and Sara discuss strategies they've used, or know to be helpful, in building a sustainable writing schedule for the busiest of writers. Whether you're jugging another job, kids, or simply need to figure out how to focus, this is all about helping you find time to get those burning words on...

Ben and Sara are thrilled to welcome special guest and internationally renowned, NYT and Sunday Times bestselling author Steven Erikson, who has sold multi-million copies of his The Malazan Book of the Fallen ten-volume series.

Steven talks about where to find the "Big Idea", what to do when a spark of an idea hits and how to curate it to write a book. Or, conversely, whether an idea is worth pursuing and how to know if it is. Best of all, Steven offers up some of his own strategies for writing, and gives us a glimpse into...

How are scripts and books different, and how does one to navigate from writing novels to writing screenplays? Ben and Sara talk about the differences, the logistics, layout, how to describe scenes in detail, condensing and efficiencies expected in script writing verses books and more nitty gritty mechanicals about movie writing.

Watch this episode instead at: https://youtu.be/rdel20mh3_Y

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara break down the basics: what's a genre, a sub-genre, and what broadly defines them so you know what genre you're writing in (important for marketing to your audience!) and where to research your competition and discover your potential readership. How many genres are out there, and which one is right for you? Ben and Sara discuss the overarching themes of genre, with future episodes to tackle the specifics to come! 

Watch this episode instead at: https://youtu.be/tghmkjQVKuY

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara a...

Screenwriting is writing, and many writers hope to tackle it during their career. Sara, with her background in Hollywood and screenwriting, discusses with Ben the broad strokes of how screenwriting differs from writing books, and the top level ins and outs of navigating the industry itself.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/5mo5JiJ2GzI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

If you listen to the podcast, you know Ben and Sara like to enjoy a glass of wine while chatting. 

In this episode, they each list their top five wine choices, make fun of one another's pronunciations, and learn about new different varieties.

This is just the beginning of the Top Five. Ben and Sara plan to tackle their Top Five Horror Movies, Top Five Foods, etc

To watch this episode, visit YouTube at: https://youtu.be/pn0z0zWwa5c

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn m...

Writing is sometimes about reporting facts or theories, new science, or taking an old story--or one you've made up based on a core childhood memory--or even a story that comes to you in a dream. What inspires you to write, what to write? Ben and Sara discuss the ways one can be inspired, and how to turn that into a storytelling success.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/2tm-RMLHihw

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Instagram, or "bookstagram" is now a piece of the marketing pie to discuss for any author looking to connect with a wide audience of potential readers. Ben and Sara dissect the pros, cons, and navigation of using Instagram to help market books and build an author brand.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/3lquMS8Pq3I

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Do you get writer's block? Can it be avoided? If so...how? Ben and Sara discuss their strategies for blasting through any snags in their writing process, and how to manage writer's block if it rears its ugly head.

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/0_sYSlIYLJY

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

One of the most tricky parts of writing and always up for debate and discussion - especially in fiction - is the "make sure you show instead of tell" mantra.

With Ben's extensive publishing and editing background, and Sara's varied body of work behind her, this episode is a deeper dive into how and why it matters, and how to show...not tell.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8PiIEB56-V4

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Marketing is the least favorite topic of Ben and Sara, but it will be an extensive number of episodes, starting with this one, which covers their personal experience and nuggets of advice.

Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wMXLurVz9qU

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Editing is a massive part of writing - more than anyone generally suspects. Ben and Sara have worked for years together editing many projects for one another and others, and share their introduction to this massive topic.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RaCMS9MIdQU

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

The publishing world is ever changing. With Ben's experience as a novelist and publisher, and Sara's with large and small publishers, here's some insider tips about how to navigate the industry at large as of today.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WudBPpxYj-Q

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

In Ben and Sara's introduction to their writing craft series, they cover the basics of what the craft is, how to utilize it in your own writing, and the umbrella topics they'll discuss in length in future parts of this series.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5hkjhjj_R7A

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

What does it take, personally and professionally, to go down the path of becoming, officially, a writer?

Ben and Sara discuss their own personal journeys and offer life hacks, tips, and advice to those looking to get started.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KqYS-pEYI9w

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/

Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Welcome to All About Writing! This is our first episode, covering who we (Ben and Sara) are, and what we'll be sharing with you every week...which is literally everything we can cover about writing from our extensive backgrounds in publishing, editing, ghostwriting, screenwriting, marketing, novel writing, non-fiction, and more!

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/WT5WTyO5rx8

To learn more about Ben, visit: https://bennettrcoles.com

To learn more about Sara, visit: https://saradahmen.com