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Authors Talking Bookish: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Donna Norman-Carbone and Hope Gibbs
At Authors Talking Bookish, our mission is to dedicate ourselves to inspiring writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective.
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- 1 weeks ago37 min
The Emotional Arc of a Writer: Beyond Writing a Novel (Part 2)
You've finished the book—now what? In Part 2 of our Emotional Arc of a Writer series, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional challenges that come after typing "The End." From sharing your work and facing rejection, to navigating publication, marketing, and the realities of building a long-term writing career, every milestone brings new opportunities and unexpected emotions. We'll discuss the surprises, setbacks, and successes that shape writers beyond the page and offer practical advice for approaching each stage with confidence and resilience.Part II: Beyond Writing a Novel (continued from Episode 78)Show Notes:Stages 6-10:Sharing Your WorkQuerying or PublishingPublicationMarketing Your Work and YourselfThe Long-term Writing LifePersonal Emotional SurprisesSOURCES & LINKS:“Caring for your mental health as a writer,” The JED Foundation. PDF https://assets.ctfassets.net/“Writers and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma,” Atmosphere Press.Fearless Writing, William Kenower, Writer’s Digest BooksBefore and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum, CatapultDO NOW: Identify where you are in your post-writing journey & choose one or more of the actionable solutions that resonate most with you.Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- 3 weeks ago27 min
The Emotional Arc of a Writer: Writing Stages (Part 1)
Writing a novel isn't just a craft journey, it's an emotional one. From the excitement of a new idea to the vulnerability of sharing your work and the uncertainty of publication, every milestone brings both triumphs and challenges. In this episode, the first of a two-part series, we'll explore the emotional benchmarks most writers encounter during the stages of writing a novel and offer practical strategies for navigating them with resilience and confidence. Part I: Stages of WritingShow Notes:Personal AssumptionsStages 1-5:The SparkThe First DraftThe Mid-draft SlumpFinishing the DraftRevisionPersonal ApplicationSOURCES & LINKS“Caring for your mental health as a writer,” The JED Foundation. PDF https://assets.ctfassets.net/“Writers and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma,” Atmosphere Press.Fearless Writing, William Kenower, Writer’s Digest BooksBefore and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum, CatapultDO NOW: Identify where you are in your writing & choose one or more of the actionable solutions that resonate most with your own journey.Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Aug 11, 202631 min
An Interview with Author Maggie Giles
What if one of the biggest obstacles to writing compelling fiction became your greatest creative strength? In this episode, we sit down with thriller author Maggie Giles to explore her unconventional path to becoming a suspense writer, why thrillers came more naturally than romance, and how years of experimenting across genres helped her discover her unique voice. Maggie also shares how she balances a full-time career with writing—and offers a fascinating look at creating immersive stories while living with aphantasia, a condition that prevents her from forming mental images. Whether you're searching for your writing voice, struggling to make time for your craft, or curious about the many ways creativity works, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights you won't want to miss.SHOW NOTES:BioWriting ProcessBooksWriting LifeRapid-Fire QuestionsSOURCES & LINKSWebsite: https://maggiegiles.com/Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Jul 28, 202626 min
Planting Seeds in Your Writing: Making Every Detail Count
The most satisfying stories don't come from surprises that appear out of nowhere; they come from details that were there all along. In this episode, we'll explore how writers can strategically plant information, objects, emotions, and clues early in a story that later bloom into meaningful revelations, twists, and character growth. Readers love being surprised, but they love it even more when the surprise feels earned. Let us teach you how to make every detail count.SHOW NOTES:What does planting seeds mean?Types of seeds a writer can plantThe rule of set-up and payoffWhere writers get it wrongRevision tip: read backwardsDO NOW:For examples of effective seed-planting and a writer’s exercise, download our FREE Planting Seeds companion to this episode from our website @ https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comFull Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Jul 14, 202633 min
An Interview with Author Patricia Sands
What happens when a passion for travel, friendship, and embracing life's changes becomes the heart of unforgettable stories? In this episode, award-winning author Patricia Sands shares her journey from indie publishing to traditional success and the inspiration behind her novels set in the South of France. We discuss her latest release, The French Effect, the themes of friendship, reinvention, and aging that resonate throughout her work, and how she's built a career spanning more than a decade. Patricia also offers valuable insights into the writing life, publishing, and finding your authentic voice. Whether you're a writer or an avid reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change and write the stories only you can tell.SHOW NOTES:Bio & booksThe French EffectInspirationWriting and travelNarrating an audiobookProcess & ResearchWriting adviceSOURCES & LINKSPatricia’s WebsiteThe French EffectFull Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Jun 30, 202630 min
10 Tips for Deep Revision of Your First Draft
What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye.SHOW NOTES:Walk Away Read ThroughIdentify your Core StoryFocus on Big Ideas FirstRevise in LayersStrengthen Character MotivationRaise the StakesCut and MoveCheck Scene Purpose Sharpen Openings and EndingsSOURCES & LINKS“How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/“Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklistBooks on story structure, character, motivation and stakesStory Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa KronSave the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyRelated ATB Episodes:Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…)Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51Tension and Conflict, Episode 61DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yetFull Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Jun 16, 202632 min
Then vs. Now: Third Anniversary Episode
How much can change in a year or three or more? In this special anniversary episode, Hope and Donna reflect on their journeys as authors and podcasters through a fun and revealing “Then vs. Now” conversation. From evolving writing processes and shifting definitions of success to behind-the-scenes podcast moments, they share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they wish they’d known from the start. Honest, insightful, and full of personality, this episode is a celebration of the winding path of writing life.SHOW NOTES:How has your approach to writing changed from when you first started to today?What did you believe about writing or publishing early on that you see differently now?What used to intimidate you most about writing—and does it still?What were your goals as a writer when you began, and how have they shifted?When did you first feel like a “real writer,” and has that feeling changed?How has your confidence—in your voice, your stories, and your place in the writing world—evolved?What’s one aspect of podcasting that has changed from when you first started?What did you think your favorite part of podcasting would be vs. what is it?What is the biggest lesson you learned from podcasting?How do you define “success” as an author today compared to when you started?What’s one piece of advice you would give your earlier writing self?Surprise: Rapid Fire QuestionsAuthors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
- Jun 2, 202633 min
An Interview with Author Wendy Haller
What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice.SHOW NOTES:BiographyWomen’s FictionImpact of TeachingMulti-Genre WritingPersonal Connections in WritingWriting ProcessLessons Learned the Hard WayRapid Fire QuestionsSOURCES & LINKShttps://www.wendyhallerauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyHallerAuthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyhaller_author/Sign up for her newsletter! Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.comHope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.comIf you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you
About Authors Talking Bookish
At Authors Talking Bookish, our mission is to dedicate ourselves to inspiring writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective.
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