writing

  • Tapping into WHY You’re a Writer

    In this episode hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli delve into the essential topic of finding your ‘why’ as a writer. They discuss the significance of understanding your motivation for writing, whether it’s to share knowledge, offer hope, or explore themes dear to you. The duo explains how knowing your why can boost creativity, productivity, and help you push through writer’s block. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to keep your why front and center, from using sticky notes to setting daily phone alarms. Perfect for writers of all genres, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to deepen their connection to their writing projects.

  • humility

    There is so much wise counsel in the book of Proverbs. Like many believers, I spend time in this book almost every day. Sometimes a single verse or a few verses grab my attention. Other times, I’ll read an entire chapter. Often, what I read will speak to a specific area in my life. The…

  • The Life of a Character with Laurel Thomas

    In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, award-winning author Laurel Thomas joins the hosts to discuss the internal and hidden lives of characters in fiction writing. With insights from her experience as a writer and instructor, Laurel emphasizes the importance of understanding characters’ goals, motivations, and hidden fears. The conversation delves into how these elements can be effectively incorporated to make characters more relatable and engaging. Drawing examples from ‘The Hunger Games’ and other notable works, Laurel provides valuable tips for writers looking to craft deeper and more nuanced characters. Additionally, the hosts highlight the benefits of joining the Writing Momentum membership, which offers extensive resources, live roundtables, and a supportive community for writers of all levels.

  • What is a Writers’ Fiction Roundtable with Laurel Thomas

    In this episode, Chris and Gena welcome award-winning author Laurel Thomas to discuss the concept of Writer’s Fiction Roundtables. Laurel shares her journey from nonfiction to fiction writing, highlights from her novels, and her approach to developing compelling characters and themes. They delve into the structure and purpose of her roundtables, emphasizing their inclusivity and the benefits for both new and experienced writers. The episode also details how these roundtables fit into the Writing Momentum membership program, which supports writers with live events, recorded videos, and discussions.

  • best and worst advice

    Someone recently asked me, “What’s the best writing advice I ever received?    “Get up earlier.” This came from my mentor, DiAnn Mills when I whined about not having enough time to write while also working a full-time job. So I did. I began a routine of beginning my day at 4:00 a.m. This gave me one-and-a-half hours of…

  • 7 Essential Book Bonuses Every Author Should Include

    In this solo episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, host Christopher Maselli discusses seven valuable bonuses that authors often overlook but should consider including in their books. These bonuses, which range from photos and graphics to pull quotes and real interactions, can significantly enhance the reader’s experience and add value to the book. Christopher also highlights the importance of reflection questions and takeaways, especially for nonfiction works. Additionally, he introduces the Writing Momentum membership, offering extensive training and co-writing sessions to help authors stay focused and productive.

  • Giving Your Writing Momentum Tip #1: Continual Learning

    Join hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli of Writing Momentum as they kick off a new series dedicated to helping writers grow in their craft. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of continual learning in writing, highlighting techniques for improving quality through structured education. Discover how understanding story structure, keeping up with standards, and seeking continual professional development can give your writing the momentum it needs.

  • what inspires my stories

    I’ve shared in other posts how I receive inspiration for a story. The most common way is from an image that pops into my mind. Many times, I can’t remember what I was doing, reading, or thinking when the idea came to me. I gave up asking myself, “Where did that come from?” One story…

  • Best Practices for Getting Manuscript Feedback

    In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Chris and Gena discuss the best time to seek feedback on your manuscript. They address a common pitfall writers face by sharing an email from a listener who received conflicting advice on their first draft. The episode emphasizes the importance of completing your manuscript before seeking critique and explores how different writing and critiquing styles can affect feedback. The hosts offer practical tips on how to choose the right person for feedback and encourage listeners to finish their first draft to avoid creative paralysis. Tune in for valuable insights to keep your writing momentum going!