In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli delve into the topic of perfectionism among writers. They share personal anecdotes and struggles with perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of pushing through the writing process despite the desire for everything to be perfect. The episode covers various aspects of perfectionism, such as the challenges in starting or finishing a project, the pitfalls of waiting for 'perfect' conditions, and practical tips for moving forward. They discuss tactics like time blocking, setting realistic writing goals, and allowing for flexibility in planning and execution. The goal of the episode is to help writers redefine perfectionism from getting it 'right' to getting it 'done' and to encourage them to maintain momentum in their writing projects by providing strategies to overcome perfectionism.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast!00:13 Tackling Perfectionism: Personal Struggles and Insights02:24 Types of Perfectionism and Strategies for Authors06:32 Navigating Perfectionism in the Writing Process10:26 Time Management and Overcoming Procrastination12:24 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Direction15:05 Redefining Perfectionism for Success16:21 Join Our Writing Community and Wrap-UpLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli explore the common question of whether a formal degree is necessary to become a successful writer. They discuss their personal experiences with formal education in writing, highlighting the pros and cons of pursuing a writing degree versus self-education through resources like writers' conferences and continual learning. They emphasize the importance of continuous education in writing, publishing, and marketing, regardless of one's educational background. The episode provides insight into the writing industry standards, the publishing process, and the critical role of marketing in a writer's career. Through their discussion, they reassure listeners that while formal education can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for success in writing, encouraging writers to focus on continuous learning and improvement.00:00 Introduction to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:15 The Big Question: Do You Need a Degree to Write?01:55 Personal Experiences and Insights on Formal Education04:37 The Continuous Journey of Learning in Writing07:22 Understanding Publishing, Marketing, and Industry Standards13:13 The Importance of Continuous Self-Education16:10 Conclusion: Your Path to Writing SuccessLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Gena and Christopher Maselli discuss the importance of staying engaged in the 'writing world' for both emerging and experienced writers. They explore what constitutes the writing world, including the processes of writing, publishing, and marketing. The Maselli's emphasize the ease of distraction in today’s world and the necessity of keeping writing goals top of mind. They suggest various methods for staying focused, such as listening to podcasts, reading or listening to books on writing, and participating in writing groups or conferences. The hosts also share personal challenges with maintaining momentum and offer solutions like setting appointments to write and seeking encouragement and advice from fellow writers. Furthermore, they discuss the benefits of attending writers' conferences to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to join their online writing group and encourages writers to form connections with others in the writing community to share successes, challenges, and to learn from each other.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:14 Exploring the Writing World: Staying Focused and Motivated03:10 Practical Tips to Stay Engaged in Writing05:48 Leveraging Community and Resources for Writing Success08:53 The Value of Writing Conferences and Networking16:10 Closing Thoughts: Join the Writing World for SuccessLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Gena and Christopher Maselli host the Writing Momentum Podcast, targeting emerging writers aspiring to write a book. They emphasize that the writing journey is not competitive and there's space for everyone. The podcast provides practical tips, including choosing a genre, understanding genre specifics, and the importance of knowing the rules before breaking them. They recommend reading extensively within one's genre, outlining other works, and learning about story structures with resources like Ronald Tobias's '20 Master Plots'. The hosts also stress the importance of joining the writing community for support and growth, encouraging listeners to engage with groups, conferences, and online platforms like Writing Momentum. They urge listeners to write daily, read in their genre, and join writing courses or communities. The podcast underscores that identifying as a writer is crucial, encouraging a mindset shift to embrace the writer's identity confidently.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast!01:04 Embracing the Journey: Tips for New Writers01:45 Choosing Your Genre: The First Step to Writing a Book02:09 Understanding Genre Rules and Why They Matter05:58 The Importance of Reading and Analyzing Your Chosen Genre10:01 Navigating the Writing World: Conferences, Groups, and Resources14:57 Embracing Your Identity as a Writer16:36 Practical Writing Tips and Encouragement18:32 Join Us on Your Writing Journey19:01 Conclusion and Invitation to SubscribeLINKS:20 Master Plots by Ronald Tobias on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dsYvqOlLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli discuss strategies for finishing first drafts, acknowledging it as a significant challenge for many writers. They emphasize the importance of completing a draft regardless of its initial quality and suggest focusing on editing afterward to improve it. The hosts share personal experiences, tips for maintaining momentum, including setting writing goals and knowing the direction of your story, whether you're more of a plotter or a pantser. Additionally, they introduce their Wednesday Writing Moments, an online group writing session for accountability and progress. The discussion aims to encourage writers to keep working towards completing their first drafts by providing practical advice and shared experiences.00:00 Kickstarting Your First Draft: Overcoming the Pain Points02:50 The Simple, Yet Profound Solution to Finishing Your Draft03:20 Editing vs. Writing: The Easier Path to a Finished Book07:04 Setting Goals: The Key to Maintaining Writing Momentum08:53 Plotting vs. Pantsing: Finding Your Writing Style13:18 The Power of Writing Together: Accountability and Progress15:36 Closing Thoughts: Just Write ItLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Gena and Christopher Maselli explore the final habit in their series that can significantly hinder a writer's productivity: excessive, mindless screen time. They discuss how spending too much time on devices like televisions, computers, mobile phones, and video game screens without purpose can detract from valuable writing time. The Masellis share personal experiences and strategies to reduce mindless screen time, emphasizing the importance of being intentional with how one spends their screen time. They encourage listeners to engage in activities that contribute to their writing goals and suggest ways to reduce mindless screen time to improve focus, creativity, and ultimately, writing output.00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast!00:28 Recap: Habits That Can Tank Your Writing - Parts 1 & 202:36 The Final Habit: Mindless Screen Time03:14 The Shocking Reality of Screen Time04:45 Calculating the Impact of Screen Time on Your Life09:37 Reallocating Screen Time to Boost Writing Productivity15:02 Practical Steps to Reduce Mindless Screen Time18:26 Conclusion: The Power of Intentional Time ManagementLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, hosts Gena and Christopher Maselli discuss everyday habits that can negatively impact your writing progress. They address the dangers of comparison and disengagement from the writing community, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and involved. The conversation highlights how distractions and perfectionism can halt a writer's momentum, offering practical solutions like using focus modes on devices and understanding the creative versus technical aspects of writing and editing. Additionally, they talk about the fallacy of the solitary writing venture and advocate for collaboration and networking within the writing community, including the benefits of joining writing groups and attending conferences. The Masellis stress the importance of making small, manageable changes to overcome these detrimental habits and invite listeners to subscribe for more insights.00:00 Introduction: Everyday Habits That Tank Your Writing00:26 Recap of Previous Episode: Comparison and Disengagement03:06 The Importance of Staying Engaged in the Writing World03:35 The Power of Community in Writing07:41 The Dangers of Distraction and Perfectionism12:18 The Role of Perfectionism in Writing and Marketing20:01 Taking Small Steps Towards Improvement21:00 Conclusion: Subscribe and Stay Tuned for MoreLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena discuss common habits that can impede a writer’s progress or productivity. They share insights about the traps of comparison and the need to stay engaged with the writing community. The episode encourages writers to embrace their unique voice, style and journey, and stresses the importance of continuous reading and learning within the genre they are writing. The hosts also talk about maintaining a strong presence and active participation in the 'writing world,' including online forums, writer’s conferences and book clubs, to keep the creative juices flowing and to stay on top of market trends.00:00 Introduction: The Biggest Danger to Your Writing Time00:31 Everyday Habits That Can Tank Your Writing02:23 The Dangers of Comparison in Writing11:14 The Importance of Staying in the Writing World16:15 The Power of Reading and Learning from Your Craft18:59 Conclusion: Overcoming Writing ChallengesLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Gena and Christopher Maselli explore different ways to stay motivated in writing. They discuss tracking your writing successes, identifying your 'why', immersing oneself in the writing world through books, podcasts, and conferences, and the benefits of co-writing and surrounding yourself with writing friends. Chris also describes the benefits of maintaining a 'to done' list. The hosts invite audiences to join their writing group, Writing Moments, to further promote a supportive writing community. The episode is designed to help writers find the motivation they need to stay committed to their craft.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:25 The Challenge of Staying Motivated01:48 Tracking Your Successes02:57 The Power of a 'To Done' List07:17 Finding Your 'Why'09:03 Keeping Your Head in the Writing World10:06 The Benefits of Co-Writing12:44 Surrounding Yourself with Writing Friends15:27 Summary and ConclusionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In the Writing Momentum Podcast, Christopher Maselli and his wife, Gena, share practical tips for finding time to write in a busy world. With over 30 years of writing experience, they tackle the challenge many writers face - finding time to pursue their passion amid various life commitments. They suggest keeping a reminder of your writing vision in front of you, scheduling your writing time, employing the Pomodoro technique, using deadlines, and adopting habit stacking where writing is added to an existing routine. They elaborate that consistency is key and even short bursts of writing can lead to a complete manuscript over time. They also encourage listeners to share and subscribe to their podcast for more insightful content.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Topic00:14 The Challenge of Finding Time to Write02:47 The Importance of Keeping the Vision05:57 The Power of Deadlines08:45 The Strategy of Time Blocking11:05 The Pomodoro Technique12:44 Habit Stacking for Writing15:17 Recap and ConclusionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

In this podcast transcript, hosts Chris and Gena highlight common mistakes that writers make when crafting content for nonprofit organizations. They discuss the importance of focusing on the benefits to the reader, creating clear calls to action, telling impactful stories of individual beneficiaries, and maintaining consistent branding across all communication channels. The hosts emphasize that these principles can also prove beneficial in other forms of writing, providing examples from their own experiences and from the realm of political speechmaking.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup00:46 Defining Non-Profits and Their Writing Needs02:57 Common Mistakes in Non-Profit Writing: Part 104:05 Common Mistakes in Non-Profit Writing: Part 207:02 Common Mistakes in Non-Profit Writing: Part 310:22 The Power of Storytelling in Non-Profit Writing12:58 Consistency Across All Channels14:00 Recap and ConclusionLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

After 30 years of working with nonprofits, hosts Gena and Chris discuss three common mistakes that writers often make when writing for non-profit organizations. These include the excessive focus on asking for help without celebrating the wins, constantly changing branding messages, and overuse of organization-specific jargon. Insights are also shared on how to execute effective communication strategies for non-profit organizations. This video is beneficial for anyone aiming to optimize their written communication for non-profit fundraising and awareness campaigns.00:00 Introduction to Non-Profit Writing Mistakes02:28 Mistake 1: Overemphasis on the Ask06:14 Mistake 2: Inconsistent Branding Message09:45 Mistake 3: Overuse of Jargon12:08 Recap and Preview of Next Episode13:29 Conclusion and Sign OffLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Self-publishing on Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is accessible and easy. Professional editing and formatting are essential. Use PDF and EPUB formats for both print and ebook versions. Consider specialized software or hiring a professional formatter. Design an eye-catching book cover. Create a KDP account and connect your bank account. Write a compelling book description, choose relevant categories, select keywords, and set a competitive price. Develop a marketing strategy. Join a writing community for support. Your book will go through a review process before being published on Amazon.LINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of pen names. We discuss the definition of pen names and explore the various reasons why authors choose to use them, such as protecting their identity, exploring different genres, and maintaining privacy. We also highlight how pen names can help separate writing styles and target specific audiences, while overcoming bias and stereotypes. Tune in to hear the intriguing story of Stephen King's pen name, Richard Bachman, and be inspired to share your thoughts and funny pen names with us. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast!LINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Henry McLaughlin shares his research process for historical fiction novels, focusing on his latest book, "Emily's Trials." He emphasizes the significance of thorough research to create an accurate and authentic historical setting. McLaughlin's writing process involves "pantsing" and allowing the characters to shape the story. He encourages writers to revise and rewrite their work fearlessly. McLaughlin believes in the importance of supporting local bookstores and highlights the relevance of his stories of hope and reconciliation in today's world.LINKS:Buy Emily’s Trials by Henry McLaughlin on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uaL5e5Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.com

Hosts Christopher and Gena reveal their words for 2024, "extreme" and "flow," while writer friends and newsletter subscribers also share their chosen words. These words can be categorized into commitment, appreciation, and strength. Examples of commitment words include "commitment," "get her done," and "structure," while appreciation words include "mindfulness," "enjoy," and "magic." Strength words encompass "resurgence," "abide," and "brave." Listeners are encouraged to share their own words for 2024.LINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Has it really been 100 episodes?! Yes!!In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena celebrate their podcast's third year and 100th episode by taking a look back at their top five most listened to episodes. They discuss the importance of avoiding cliches in writing, explore the wide range of materials that can be written for children, highlight the benefits of using an email newsletter for marketing, delve into the different types of editing needed for a manuscript, and provide a step-by-step guide on self-publishing on Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. They also give an honorable mention to an episode on making time to write based on listener feedback. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, review, and share the podcast, and are provided with a goal-setting planner and information on an upcoming membership site.Episodes we talk about:62: https://www.writingmomentum.com/writing/avoid-this-writing-trap-like-the-plague/80: https://www.writingmomentum.com/podcast/all-you-can-write-for-children/60: https://www.writingmomentum.com/marketing/our-best-kept-email-marketing-secret-2/75: https://www.writingmomentum.com/podcast/why-your-manuscript-needs-editing-four-times/4: https://www.writingmomentum.com/publishing/what-you-need-to-self-publish-on-amazons-kindle-direct-publishing-kdp/9: https://www.writingmomentum.com/writing/how-to-make-time-to-write-your-answers/Links: Join Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at https://wmdeal.com/lizGet your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.comPrefer to watch it on YouTube? Visit https://www.youtube.com/@writingmomentum

Bank Novo is the perfect banking solution for freelance writers and authors. With no minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and free transfers, it offers a hassle-free banking experience. The mobile app allows you to easily scan checks and check your balance. You can also create and send professional invoices with its invoicing capabilities. Bank Novo even has an automatic allocation feature for setting aside funds for taxes, savings, and other categories. It integrates seamlessly with popular services like Stripe, Square, and Shopify. With its simplicity, reliability, and helpful customer support, Bank Novo is highly recommended for all your business banking needs.LINKS:https://writing.fyi/novoLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/lizGet your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Liz Wilcox, an email strategist and creator of the Email Marketing Membership, helps small businesses, including authors, build online relationships and effective emails. With her own successful business ventures, Liz aims to write a screenplay and have the freedom to write what she wants. She takes a step-by-step approach, focusing on one thing at a time, and believes in building a long-term strategy as an author. Liz's Email Marketing Membership offers weekly newsletter templates and guidance for authors to improve their email marketing, priced at $9 per month. Her ultimate goal is to help 10,000 people achieve their goals through her expertise.Links:Liz Wilcox email marketing membershipwmdeal.com/lizwmdeal.com/lizannualGet your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com

Kevin Tumlinson is a prolific author who has self-published over 70 books. He developed a 30-day author formula to write a book a month and has written most of his books between 2014-2020. Tumlinson writes in various genres and experiments with different writing speeds, with his fastest record being a 60,000-word book in a day. He emphasizes discipline, daily word count goals, and recommends breaks between books to avoid burnout. Tumlinson incorporates marketing through social media, email newsletters, and personal interactions, and believes the book itself is the best marketing tool. He follows a daily routine, starting with journaling before writing, and uses a looping method to edit and write simultaneously. LINKS:kevintumlinson.comLiz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at http://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join Chris, Gena, and Rene each Wednesday at noon Central and let's get our writing DONE! https://www.writingmoments.com