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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for May, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

You, the Protagonist, Developing Your Brand with Caroline George

In this episode we are joined by Caroline, a literary agent, conference speaker and award-winning author. She shares tips on how writers can develop their author brands. Caroline’s work experience includes BookGrabbr, HarperCollins Publishing, Hillsong Sydney, Mainstreet Productions and Cyle Young Literary Elite. She shares her expertise in an upbeat and energetic style as we discuss the basics of brand-building and go deeper into finding voice, sharing personality, and celebrating story.

Watch the May 19th replay

Caroline George, a literary agent at C.Y.L.E., commits her time and energy to telling stories in their many forms. As a 2017 Belmont University graduate with a double-major in publishing and public relations, Caroline aims to pursue a career committed to helping authors, publishers and organizations project their stories to their publics. She spends her time blogging, writing for various magazines and authoring young adult fiction books (her current publications include “The Prime Way Trilogy” and “The Vestige”). She considers herself a not-so-southern Georgia peach, coffee-junkie, bona fide goofball and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.” You can find her on social media or contact her at www.authorcarolinegeorge.com

Creative Outlets for Writers with Cody Morehead

Cody Morehead, Creative Director for Serious Writer, Inc., joins us today to talk about branding, creating social media images, and tips for graphic design. He also shares the importance of engaging in other creative outlets and hobbies beyond writing. We often have an “illusion of busy-ness,” but is that a badge of honor or a badge of brokenness? Cody encourages us to “try and fail” and to make time in our weekly schedule for a hobby. Other creative pursuits–even something as simple as a daily walk–feed our souls and nourish our writing.

Watch the May 26th replay.

Cody Morehead, owner of PubZoo Creative, a public speaker, pastor, and known for monkeying around, Cody is known for creating our awesome graphics and videos at Serious Writer. A branding and graphics expert, Cody regularly gives talks on developing author brand, helping authors to develop a clean, clear look for their websites, social media, and more. You can find Cody on social media or you can find him at www.seriouswriter.com/cody-morehead

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire.

Sometimes, Yes

bball

I had just settled on our front porch swing with my yellow legal pad and favorite pen when Katie, my home-for-the-summer college girl, stepped outside with a basketball.

“Wanna shoot?”

When I didn’t respond right away, she continued down the porch steps and headed toward the ball goal.

I sighed. There was still a good hour of daylight and my mind was swirling with thoughts and ideas that I wanted to capture on paper. Writers are supposed to be disciplined and structured, right? We will never complete anything if we allow ourselves to be distracted from our work.

I watched Katie’s retreating form as she bounced the b-ball with one hand and inserted her iPhone earbuds with the other.

Decision made.

“Yeah, I’ll play.”

“Oh, okay. Cool.” She removed her earbuds, tucked them into a pocket, and launched her first shot. Swish.

I took a shot and watched it fall short (it had been awhile).

For the next hour, my daughter and I laughed, competed, and junk-talked. We took joy in the game, the wide-open night sky, and each other. And somewhere in that hour it hit me:

I needed this. I needed to step away from the legal pad and refresh a little.

Sometimes, it’s okay to say yes. We are better writers when we feed our souls in other activities and see our world from different angles.

What can you do to shake things up in your writing-life?

Play a game of b-ball (or golf, or tennis, or…).

Make a blanket-fort with the kids or grandkids.

Get in the kitchen and try that new recipe.

Take a friend up on that lunch invitation (it’s really okay).

Go on a date with your spouse.

Kick back with friends and watch a movie.

Daydream a little.

(More ideas here.)

On that special b-ball evening with my daughter, I did write a few words…

H-O-R-S-E (I lost this one, even with 2 shots on the “e”)

C-A-T (I lost this one, too.)

I-T (Um…yeah. But I did make her work for it.)

As a writer who needs to refresh once in a while, how can you say “yes” this week?

 

[bctt tweet=”What can you do to shake things up in your writing-life? #writer #amwriting”]

[bctt tweet=”We are better writers when we feed our souls in other activities and see our world from different angles. #writer #amwriting”]