Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of Writing
Hello! I’m Melissa Bourbon, and this podcast is a place where the craft of writing, conversations with writers, the world of creativity, and business converge.
When I stepped onto my own writing path, I was an avid reader, but not a writer. I didn’t know anything about the actual craft, and I knew nothing about the publishing industry. But I had a dream to become a published author and I set out to learn everything I could.
Now I’m a national bestselling author of more than 30 novels. I’m published traditionally, and I’ve recently plunged into the world of indie publishing. And I teach people like you how to grow in their craft and find success in this ever-changing industry.
I’m here as your partner as you navigate your own writing journey. I’m here to help you understand the essential elements of the writing craft, to build your confidence, and to help you find the success you desire. Welcome to the WriterSpark Podcast.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 41 minutes
- Episodes
- 50
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2024
How to Build a Killer Writing Routine
Episode 50
Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast! I'm your host, Melissa Bourbon, a bestselling author, podcaster, teacher, and book cover designer. In this episode, we're diving into the essentials o…
Using Setting as a Character in Fiction Writing
Episode 49
Delve into the idea of using setting as a character in fiction writing. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome my special guest Marjorie McCown, author of the Hollywood Mystery series, who e…
From Fiction to Fact: The Intersection of True Crime and Fiction Writing
Episode 48
Have you ever thought about the parallels between writing True Crime and Fiction Writing? That is what this episode is all about. I had the opportunity to talk with investigative journal…
Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements
Episode 47
Tips for Writing Books with Magical Elements
Welcome to The WriterSpark Podcast, the podcast that ignites your creativity and fuels your passion for storytelling. I'm your host, Meliss…
Harness the Benefits of Process Writing to Unlock Creativity
Episode 46
Story structure is at the heart of storytelling. Many writers use the Hero's Journey, the Three-Act Structure, the Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat, but there is another way to write a…
Get a Glimpse Behind the Publishing Curtain
Episode 45
Get a glimpse behind the publishing curtain from Shawn Reilly Simmons, co-founder of Level Best Books, a woman-owned and -operated boutique publisher. Whether you are a published or aspi…
The Fundamentals of Marketing for Writers
Episode 44
Every author has two jobs, one as an author, and the other as a marketer. It's a necessary part of the writing life if you are in it to earn money. Nicolette Lemmon is an industry expert…
How to Tap into M.A.G.I.C. in your Writing
Episode 43
We can all use a little MAGIC in our writing lives. In this case, I'm talking about the MAGIC from "Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody". In our conversation,…
Mining Your Life for Stories
Episode 42
In this episode, Melissa talks with Lynne Golodner, author of Woman of Valor and prolific creative nonfiction writer, about mining your life for stories. This is such a great topic and a…
Literary Agents: What to think about and look for, and so much more!
Episode 41
In this episode, Melissa talks with Michael Griffo, who also writes at JD Griffo and Michael Falco. The topic is All About Agents: Do you need them? What to look for... But it ended up b…
Reasons Why Every Author Needs an Editor
Episode 40
Every writer needs an editor, but do you know why and what they do for you?
Do you know what editors do and what different types of edits mean? Developmental. Substantive. Line. Copy. Th…
Use these 8 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block
Episode 39
Every writer gets stuck now and then. It's part of the journey. Getting stuck doesn't mean you need to stop, though, and it isn't just about pushing through. I have 8 strategies to help …
You NEED these 11 Tips to CRUSH NaNoWriMo
Episode 38
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is HERE, and writers all over have jumped into this exciting challenge. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a seasoned writer, National Novel …
Interview (Not Interrogation) Techniques for Fiction Writers
Episode 37
George Cramer spent years as a PI and Police Officer (turned writer), and many hours interviewing (not interrogating!) victims, suspects, and witnesses during investigations. Join me for…
Turning True Crime into Thrilling Fiction
Episode 36
Join me for a captivating podcast interview with Eryk Pruitt, the author of Something Bad Wrong, a gripping novel inspired by an unsolved true crime case from the 1970s in North Carolina. …
Using Your Real-Life as an Influence in Your Writing
Episode 35
Marjory McCown Final Cut Signed Copy Giveaway! If you’d like to enter for a chance to win, go HERE:
https://forms.gle/8PkJnGUYtRqZQfu97
How do you use your real-life as an influence in…
10 Reasons to Read and Write Cozy Mysteries
Episode 34
If you've ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, this WriterSpark Podcast episode is for you! The mystery genre is huge, and cozy mysteries are a pretty special part of it. In this e…
Learn All About Audiobook Production and Narration
Episode 33
Have you ever wondered what audiobook production and narration entails for an author? If you haven't, this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast is for you! Audiobooks can be a huge asset t…
Extraordinary Attorney Woo’s Hero’s Journey
Episode 32
Books. Movies. TV shows. Most of them are structured using at least some, if not all, of the elements of The Hero's Journey. That includes Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the Netflix origina…
How to Avoid Getting Stuck With Your Writing
Episode 31
Whether you call it writer's block or simply getting stuck, the feeling of not being able to keep writing is very real. Certain strategies and tactics can help you get past the wall that…