Escalation in tension is important for your novel. The lack of tension by the middle is why many people put a book down and never pick it up again. It might also be why you're stuck in the muddy middle trying to figure out what to write next. But on this episode I'm not just going to tell you why you need escalating tension, I'm going to tell you a reason no one else is speaking about that could be the reason why you're stuck.

Bended Love is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

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Sara Gentry is a Math Ph.D. turned Author Accelerator certified book coach for fiction, memoir, and nonfiction book writers. She uses her analytical and logical superpowers to help writers structure their ideas into a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with their audience. Sara is the host of KidLit Summer Camp and Novel Kickoff, and she is a member of the SCBWI, 12x12 Challenge, and WFWA writing communities. You can connect with Sara on her website (solutionsforwriters.com), and on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter @writewithsara.

Bended Love is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

As a Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach, Deborah can pass on what she has learned, to help you with your writing, whether you are: at the beginning, finding the shape of your story; trudging through the writing but stuck halfway through; deep in revision with a full manuscript; or ready to complete and publish your book. Deborah doesn't offer a prepackaged class that you never get through, but rather one-on-one support, helping you where you are at, giving you the tools you need to move forward.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/deborah_ann_lucas and Author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahAnnLucas

Sign up for Deborah's newsletter on her website: https://www.deborahannlucas.com/

The books Deborah talked about are: Breeding Sweetgrass, Still Life At 80 and Half-Broke.

Bended Love is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

This week I'm talking with Rebecca A. Dolence about writing scary stories for kids. Because it's almost Halloween! Come join the fun.

Rebecca A. Dolence is a Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach, writer, and member of the SCBWI. Her passion lies in serving fiction writers who are serious about investing in their writing success. With a proven track record and personalized writing methods, Rebecca helps writers bring their stories out of their heads and onto paper with confidence and purpose.

http://www.radnotesbookcoaching.com

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/uqL0Uh7 (Creature of the Month Club)

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/FyIyYDb (Free Villain Origin Story Worksheet)

Bended Love is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

Rejection comes with writing, unfortunately. This week I talked with Rhonda Douglas about rejection. We swapped stories in which we have experienced it, Rhonda tells us what it's like to be the one rejecting stories and poems (eek!) and then we talk about some different perspectives in order to get through rejection.

To find out more about Rhonda go to: https://resilientwriters.com/about/

For Rhonda's podcast go to: https://resilientwriters.com/podcast/

Bended Love is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

I talk with Monica Hay today about something she helps writers with everyday: procrastination and perfectionism. Do you struggle with either of those? Me, too! Join us in today's talk!

Find out more about Monica Hay and get into the Overcoming Resistance Bootcamp here (affiliate link): https://katcaldwell.com/monica-hay

Join me at the Escape the Plot Forest Summit: https://katcaldwell.com/forest-2024

Do you want to be an ARC reader of BENDED LOVE? Click here: Click here: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/181977/bended-love

Bended Loyalty is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/loyalty

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

My interview today is with debut novelist, Ben Hawken. We chat about creative energy, a life of finding creative outlets and, ultimately, how he took on book writing. You can find out more about Ben on his website at https://www.benhawken.com/

You can buy Chandelier here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFNXQSKZ

Join me at the Escape the Plot Forest Summit: https://katcaldwell.com/forest-2024

Do you want to be an ARC reader of BENDED LOVE? Click here: Click here: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/181977/bended-love

Bended Loyalty is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/loyalty

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

Should we write backstory? Should we not? How much backstory should we include? Where and how should we include it?

We tackle these questions today with three simple tips that will help you navigate backstory and make the decisions that are right for your story.

PODCAST SUMMARY

Bended Loyalty is out!! https://books.katcaldwell.com/loyalty

Want to be an ARC for Bended Love? Click here: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review-copy/view/181977/bended-love

Get the prequel, Bended Dream, here: https://books.katcaldwell.com/bended-prequel

Like Substack? Find me at Lessons In Story. https://lessonsinstory.substack.com

Sign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletter

Want more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I’m reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing