The Author Alchemist

Finding Joy in Writing (Ep. 53)

Hey ho! Hear me ramble about my super-goth look! Special limited edition! ;)
This is a short episode where I talk about how important it is to find joy in your writing practice, and what you can do if you feel like everything is drudge work!
--------------------------For more about me and my work, visit my site hub, https://houseofyork.info

Down the Rabbit Hole - Worldbuilding Mindset (Ep. 52)

In this episode, I discuss balancing world-building details with reader imagination in fiction writing, sharing insights from social media posts I've seen on different approaches to world-building and the importance of leaving holes in the narrative. Using my own experiences to illustrate how details can enhance or hinder creativity, I explore techniques for creating immersion, such as using cultural references and varying language. The key message is that writers should focus on engaging readers' imaginations rather than including every fact, and should feel empowered to start writing without letting the rabbits lead us too deep down the research hole!

The Only Path to Mastery (Ep. 51)

What is the true source of writing mastery? As the old joke goes: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!" In this episode I talk about what having a large goal like "writing 1 million words" can do for you, and why it is important!
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My website: https://houseofyork.info1 Million Words Club information: https://houseofyork.info/1mwc

How to Transition from Series to Serial (Ep. 50)

Join me for updates on my own serials, the 1 Million Words Club, and advice on how to transition your idea/outline for a book series into a long-running serial! 
Links:My websiteSerials beats spreadsheet1 Million Words Club informationSubscriptions for Authors fb group 

Are You a Discovery Writer? (Ep. 49)

My book "By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing" is out! I explain a bit of what it is about and why I wrote it, along with some updates of my fiction stories. 
For more about me and my work, visit my site hub, https://houseofyork.info--------------------------
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery WritingMy new book all about discovery writing/pantsing!
"Writing for the Long Haul" at the ScriptoriumAn essay about the mindset of writing long-running stories.
1 Million Words ClubMembership community of writers supporting writers!
Survival Kit for Writers Who Don’t Write RightPatricia McLinn
The Pocket Guide to Pantsing [Full Audiobook]M.L. Ronn
Write Into the Dark: How to Write a Novel without an OutlineDean Wesley Smith

What I'm Up to! (Ep. 48)

A quick update on what I'm writing, what I'm working on, and what kind of money I am making. I talk about Kobo Plus, sales numbers, and the launch of Dragon's Grail on Ream!
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For more about me and my work, visit my site hub, https://houseofyork.info

Ep. 047: Update 2024 & 1 Million Words Club Launch!

Here's my first podcast of 2024! I'm excited to announce the launch of the 1 Million Words Club, a community created by writers FOR writers to help us get the words out! It's focused on accountability and productivity as well as craft and mindset, and welcomes all writers of every genre, professional or amateur! 
I also update you on Dragon's Grail (it's been a hot minute!) and progress on my next craft book, By the Seat of Your Pants: Secrets of Discovery Writing which is coming soon!
-----------Links: 1 Million Words Club info pageMy Ream community

Advice from the Writing Life (Ep. 46)

Back from a lovely writer's retreat held on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I'm thinking a lot about "what makes a writer" and the importance of creativity in our lives. There are a lot of definitions of what makes a "real writer" and most of them are about gatekeeping, so instead I propose that a real writer is someone who invests time and energy into their practice.
For those who feel overwhelmed by it all, I offer this simple goal: 1 million words. Maybe you'll hit that goal, maybe you won't, but you'll learn important lessons along the way!
This episode was inspired by my colleague and friend, Matt Posner! He is both an author and a teacher who asked me to record an episode roughly on this topic. Hope it fits!
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For more about me and my work, visit my site hub, https://houseofyork.info

Catching up with House of York! (Ep. 045)

First off, apologies in advance for the tapping noise that occasionally shows up, I think it was my headphones' cord knocking against the desk. I'll be more careful in the future!
This is an update, overview, and discussion about all my current writing projects. I get sidelined talking about discovery writing, but then again, I'm writing a whole book on the topic so I'm just calling it "advanced marketing"! So there!!!!
I also introduce you to my newest project, and one that will likely be ongoing for a while, the grief memoir The Empty Bowl. I don't have a completion date set for it, either. (Just a heads up, this topic about grief, mourning, and my parents' mental illnesses, so it's pretty heavy.)
Thanks as always for listening in! 

Choose One: Fame, Fortune, or Freedom (ep. 44)

A short episode about a question I was asked last week, and how answering it has changed the course of my writing career. 
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Check out ALL THE THINGS! It's all at House of York!