Struggling to craft that perfect first sentence? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing why your novel’s opening line matters more than ever in today’s distracted world, how to avoid the most common first-line pitfalls, and three powerful strategies to spark reader curiosity from the very first word. Whether you're revising or just starting out, this writing episode will help you grab attention—and keep it.

In this episode, I break down exactly how to write killer first lines—the kind that spark instant curiosity, hook readers emotionally, and make them need to keep reading.

We’ll talk about what first lines are actually for (hint: it’s not being pretty or clever), what not to do, and the simple but powerful strategies that make an opening line irresistible.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why first lines matter more than ever—and how reader distraction changes what works
✨ The most common first-line mistakes that quietly kill curiosity (and what to do instead)
✨ What creating curiosity actually means—and how to do it without confusing your reader
✨ The three most effective types of killer opening lines, with clear examples you can apply immediately

If your current first line feels bland, safe, or like it’s just… there—and you’ve been telling yourself you’ll “fix it later”—this episode will show you how to fix it, and what to aim for instead.

By the end, you’ll understand how to turn your opening line into a true reader-hooking powerhouse—and why this one sentence sets the tone for everything that follows.

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In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker to talk about writing that sells—without sacrificing craft, creativity, or your sanity. J.D. shares his unconventional journey from ghostwriter and book doctor to bestselling author, along with the systems, habits, and strategic decisions that helped him build a thriving, long-term writing career.

You’ll learn:

✨ How J.D. went from writing bestsellers under other people’s names to betting everything on his own career
✨ Why he self-published his first novel—and how that decision helped him break into traditional publishing
✨ What publishing looks like now (and why books need to be nearly “five-star ready” before agents or editors ever see them)
✨ His daily writing routine, word-count goals, and rituals for staying productive year after year
✨ How and why he uses outlining now—and what he learned plotting alongside James Patterson
✨ His approach to backstory, pacing, and suspense (including how he knows when readers are skimming)
✨ How beta readers actually help him shape stronger, more engaging novels
✨ Why thinking differently—especially when it comes to promotion—has been key to his success
✨ What it really takes to build a writing career that balances creativity, business, and real life

If you’re serious about writing books that connect with readers and building a sustainable author career in today’s publishing world, this episode offers a candid, practical look at what works, what’s changed, and how you can approach your writing with both confidence and strategy.

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Do you know your story needs backstory… but every time you try to include it, it just feels wrong?

Clunky. Awkward. Like the story suddenly stumbles instead of flowing forward.

Or maybe you’ve gone the opposite direction—cutting nearly all the backstory out because you’ve been warned about info dumping—only to realize your scenes now feel thin, confusing, or emotionally flat.

You’re not doing anything wrong.
Backstory is one of the most misunderstood elements of writing a novel.

In this solo episode, I break down how to write backstory that actually works—backstory that deepens character, clarifies motivation, and pulls readers closer instead of pushing them away.

This episode pairs closely with Episode 41 on Interiority, and together they form a powerful foundation for writing scenes that feel emotionally alive and fully grounded.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why backstory is non-negotiable—and why the real problem isn’t having backstory, but how it’s used
✨ The five core guidelines that make backstory feel seamless instead of disruptive
✨ How framing backstory through interiority transforms it from explanation into emotional experience
✨ The difference between vague, abstract backstory and specific, concrete details readers can visualize
✨ How to place backstory inside a scene so it feels triggered, relevant, and purposeful
✨ Why “less backstory” isn’t always the answer—and how to find the right dosage
✨ How to use backstory to illuminate the present moment without stopping the story cold

If your backstory feels clunky, misplaced, or never quite right—and you’re tired of guessing what to cut or keep—this episode will give you a clear, practical framework for using backstory with confidence.

By the end, backstory won’t feel like a liability. It’ll feel like one of your strongest storytelling tools.

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Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want?

You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented writers whose imaginations are on fire, but who feel stuck between drafting, revising, worldbuilding, and navigating the publishing landscape. The creativity is there. The ambition is there. But the process still feels murky and out of reach.

The missing ingredient is almost always the same: a clear, sustainable way to develop both your novel and your author career, from someone who’s walked the hybrid path.

In this interview, I sit down with award-winning fantasy author Leslye Penelope to talk about how she develops a novel from idea to finished book, how she balances traditional and self-publishing, and how she builds powerful worlds, magic systems, and character arcs without losing creative control.

You’ll learn:

✨ How Leslye went from self-publishing A Song of Blood and Stone to landing a St. Martin’s Press deal (and a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time)
✨ Why she chose to self-publish first as a Black epic fantasy romance author—and how she protected her vision and her rights
✨ The levels of professional editing she invested in as an indie author
✨ How she structures her writing life as a hybrid author, including her co-writing sessions, fast-drafting process, and multi-draft revision approach
✨ The plotting frameworks she leans on
✨ How she approaches character work using wounds, misbeliefs, Enneagram types, and theme so her protagonists actually arc on the page
✨ Her philosophy of worldbuilding
✨ How she designs magic systems with real limits and costs, drawing on research and lived traditions so the magic feels fresh.

If you’re dreaming of a long-term speculative fiction career but feel overwhelmed by the craft, the worldbuilding, and the business side, this episode will give you a grounded, practical roadmap for developing your next novel (and protecting your creative freedom) from first spark to final draft.

Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO

Grab Leslye's FREE worldbuilding checklist right here!

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Is your writing polished but still not hitting with the emotional punch you want? Do your scenes look great on the surface… but readers don’t lean in, don’t feel connected, and don’t feel compelled to turn the page?

You’re not alone. I’ve read thousands of opening pages from talented writers who have gorgeous prose, solid craft, and thoughtful worldbuilding. But something still feels a little flat. Competent, but not electric. Beautiful, but not alive.

The missing ingredient is almost always the same: interiority.

In this solo episode, I break down what interiority actually is, why it is the most important element of your novel, and how to use it to create characters readers feel bonded to from page one.

You’ll learn:

✨ What interiority really is and why it is more essential than plot or character arc
✨ Why readers need both your protagonist’s emotions and their interpretation of events
✨ The difference between dry narration and interiority-rich writing (with examples from Suzanne Collins and Rebecca Yarros)
✨ The first major Pillar of Interiority: Intellectual and Emotional Processing
✨ How to use therapist-style questions to deepen your protagonist’s internal world
✨ A simple technique to place interiority on the page so it feels seamless, natural, and woven directly into the story
✨ How external action and internal processing work together to hook readers and agents from the very first page

If your scenes feel distant, flat, or like something important is missing, this episode will teach you how to bring your protagonist’s mind onto the page in a way that feels organic, alive, and completely unputdownable.

Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO

Grab the free Interiority Workbook (examples, graphics, and guiding questions) in the show notes.

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Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publish like a pro. You’ll learn how to choose the right path for your book, where to invest your money, and how to start thinking like an author–entrepreneur instead of “just” a writer with a dream.

We’ll talk about:
✨ The real differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing (and who each path serves best)
✨ Why self-publishing is not the “free” option and the core investments you need to plan for
✨ The non-negotiables for a professional book: editing, cover design, formatting, and more
✨ How knowing your genre (and your reader) shapes everything from your story beats to your marketing
✨ What “author platform” actually means and why your email list matters more than any social feed
✨ Simple ways to start building an audience before your book is finished, even if you feel “brand new”
✨ How to approach self-publishing like a long game, including realistic timelines and expectations
✨ When a pen name or hybrid press might make sense for your goals and how to avoid predatory vanity presses

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of your publishing options and a practical roadmap for treating your book like the powerful, long-term asset it can be, instead of a one-and-done passion project.

Grab Alexa’s free Publishing Pathways & Distribution Guide HERE.

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Writing with ADHD can feel like chaos — but it doesn’t have to.

In this episode, I sit down with book coach and author Nicole Bross to explore brain-friendly strategies that help neurodiverse writers focus, follow through, and finally finish their drafts. You’ll learn how to design a writing process that fits your brain instead of fighting against it.

We’ll talk about:
✨ Why persistence matters more than consistency for ADHD writers
✨ How to outline without killing your creativity
✨ Simple ways to handle distractions and idea overwhelm
✨ What to do when perfectionism or fear of failure creeps in
✨ How to embrace messy first drafts and make revision the fun part
✨ Nicole’s free writing habit tracker that turns progress into motivation

By the end, you’ll have a gentler, more sustainable way to write — one that honors how your brain actually works and helps you bring your stories to life with less struggle and more joy.

Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO

Grab Nicole’s Writing Habit Tracker — a spreadsheet that tracks your daily word count, changes color when you hit your target, and turns habit-building into a visual game.

Pick up a copy of Nicole's bestselling book A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers HERE.

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Feedback can transform your writing — or completely derail your confidence — depending on how you understand it.

In this episode, Heather breaks down the four types of writing feedback every author needs to know (and only one that truly helps you improve). You’ll learn how to tell the difference between feedback that leaves you spinning your wheels and feedback that actually moves your story — and your skills — forward.

We’ll talk about:
✨ Why “positive” and “negative” feedback aren’t helpful labels
✨ The difference between praise, growth, general, and specific feedback
✨ The single quadrant of feedback that will supercharge your development as a writer
✨ How to stop fearing critique and start using it to become a stronger storyteller

By the end, you’ll know exactly what kind of feedback to ask for (and give!) so you can connect more deeply with your story — and your readers.

💌 Want a visual of the four feedback types? Grab the feedback graphic HERE!

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

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