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
Writing a Memoir: Tips and Processes to Tell Your Story
Episode 30
Episode Highlights:
- Everyone Has a Story to Tell: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the world of memoir writing with Robin Schepper, author of Finding My Way: A Me…
00:48:40 |
Tue 25 Jul 2023
Crafting Powerful Openings: In Media Res vs. Wide-Lens Beginnings in Your Writing
Episode 29
Episode Highlights:
- Mastering the Art of Beginnings: In this craft-focused episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore different techniques for starting your book, scene, or chapter. …
00:25:23 |
Mon 17 Jul 2023
8 Science-Backed Secrets to Fire Up Your Readers' Brain So You Can Write With Impact
Episode 28
Episode Highlights:
- Unlocking the Science of Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and storytelling. Inspired by…
01:00:37 |
Wed 12 Jul 2023
Revising Your Manuscript Like a Boss: 4 Essential Steps to Perfect Your Writing
Episode 27
Episode Highlights:
- The Art of Revision: Love it or hate it, revision is a crucial part of the writing process that can transform a good manuscript into a great one. In this episode of T…
00:28:26 |
Mon 03 Jul 2023
Tips for Introducing Your Protagonist in your Fiction
Episode 26
Episode Highlights:
- The Challenge of Introducing Your Protagonist: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle the crucial craft topic of how to effectively introduce your prot…
00:35:18 |
Mon 26 Jun 2023
Letting Go of Perfection: 5 Hacks to Banish Negative Self-Talk and Embrace Your Writing Journey
Episode 25
Episode Highlights:
- Embracing Imperfection: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the powerful lesson of letting go of perfection in your writing. It’s easy to get cau…
00:13:44 |
Tue 20 Jun 2023
Finances for Authors: Essential Tips for Managing Your Money
Episode 24
Episode Highlights:
- Mastering Finances as an Author: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle a topic that many writers might shy away from—finances. Whether you’re just sta…
00:48:21 |
Tue 23 May 2023
Mastering Deep Point of View: How to Elevate Your Fiction Writing with Emotion, Thought, Action, and Decision
Episode 23
Episode Highlights:
- Understanding Deep Point of View: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the powerful concept of Deep Point of View (DPOV) and how it can transform…
00:22:55 |
Fri 28 Apr 2023
Insights on Crafting Authentic Characters and Writing from a Different Perspective
Episode 22
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Episode Highlights:- Exploring Different Perspectives in Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the art and challenges of writing from a perspective that’s diff…
00:40:20 |
Mon 03 Apr 2023
How the Wisdom of Age Can Help You Write and Publish Your First Book
Episode 21
Episode Highlights:
- Publishing Later in Life: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the unique experience of publishing your first book as an older author. Publishing …
00:34:58 |
Wed 01 Mar 2023
Making the Shift: How to Transition Between Writing Genres with Bestselling Author Nancy Naigle
Episode 20
Episode Highlights:
- Transitioning Between Genres: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with shifting from one writing genre t…
00:53:19 |
Sun 19 Feb 2023
The Importance of Creating Diverse Characters in Your Stories: A Conversation with VM Burns
Episode 19
Episode Highlights:
- Why Diversity Matters in Fiction: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the critical topic of diversity in storytelling. Creating diverse character…
00:57:04 |
Tue 17 Jan 2023
How Weather Can Have a Huge Impact in Your Plot and on Your Fiction Writing
Episode 18
Episode Highlights:
- The Role of Weather in Fiction Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the powerful impact that weather can have on your storytelling. Weather…
00:50:03 |
Sun 08 Jan 2023
Tools for Digging Deep into Character Development
Episode 17
Episode Highlights:
- Exploring Character Depth: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the tools and techniques that help writers mine the depths of their characters, m…
00:44:41 |
Thu 15 Dec 2022
Understanding Turning Points As Key Moments That Keep Your Story Engaging
Episode 16
Episode Highlights:
- What Are Turning Points in a Story? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the concept of Turning Points—critical moments in a story where something…
00:17:19 |
Sat 10 Dec 2022
Exploring Plottr: How Plotting Software Can Enhance Your Writing Process
Episode 15
Episode Highlights:
- Every Writer’s Plotting Journey: Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to write by the seat of your pants, plotting plays a crucial role in shaping your story…
00:43:41 |
Wed 07 Dec 2022
Insights on Using Journalistic Tools to Plan Your Novel
Episode 14
Episode Highlights:
- Journalistic Tools for Novel Planning: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore an innovative approach to novel planning using the classic journalistic …
00:37:46 |
Wed 30 Nov 2022
3 Essential Tips for Creating Compelling Characters in Fiction
Episode 13
Episode Highlights:
- Creating Characters That Come Alive: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into three essential strategies for creating compelling characters that reson…
00:12:24 |
Sat 19 Nov 2022
Insights for Adding Myth and Lore to Your Novels
Episode 12
Episode Highlights:
- The Power of Myth and Lore in Storytelling: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore how integrating myth and lore into your novels can add depth, richn…
00:42:37 |
Fri 11 Nov 2022
Understanding the Reluctant Hero: Qualities and Examples in Popular Fiction
Episode 11
Episode Highlights:
- What is a Reluctant Hero? In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore the concept of the reluctant hero—a character who, despite not seeking heroism, ends …
00:16:37 |
Fri 04 Nov 2022
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