Want to see the video version of this podcast? Please visit YouTube here:
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Charla Lauriston is a TV writer and the lead mentor at The Werking Writer School, a course that prepares new and aspiring screenwriters with at least one completed script for professional careers as TV Writers. Over five weeks, students learn how to mindfully build self-confidence from the inside out, navigate the Writer’s Room and the Hollywood machine, build a professional network, and create their own productivity system. In addition to The Werking Writer School, Charla is a Vancouver and Los Angeles based comedian, writer, and director. 

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON (Charla mentions the author in this video)
So Good They Can't Ignore You - Cal Newport
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CONNECT WITH CHARLA LAURISTON
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CONNECT WITH THE WERKING WRITER
https://thewerkingwriter.com
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VIEWERS ALSO WATCHED
If You Can't Answer These 3 Questions You Don't Have A Story - https://youtu.be/Z_wid1qLEsY
The One Scene A Writer Should Never Delete - https://youtu.be/anbGJNZbsmE
How A Writer Can Turn An Ordinary Idea Into A Great One - https://youtu.be/G8Kl1tGBJT0
What Writers Get Wrong About The Hero's Journey - https://youtu.be/woiCxsRej10
If A Writer Makes This Mistake The Story Is Over - https://youtu.be/juxCiuj4R60

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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

The Werking Writer: Get In Flow With Your Writing - Charla Lauriston

Watch the video version of this podcast here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghRoyKX3BtQ

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Andy Guerdat has been a working writer/producer in film and television for the past 45 years, with hundreds of credits in movies, half-hour comedies, hour-long dramas, theater, and animation. He is currently a consultant at Disney TV Animation. 

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MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS
Essential Story Tools Required For Screenwriting Success - https://youtu.be/CWfcjN8ajHg
21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS] - https://youtu.be/OPxxJ2wBNTA
Worst Ways To Start A Story And Other Screenwriting Mistakes - https://youtu.be/adVxPaj17rU
Story Maps: How To Write A GREAT Screenplay - https://youtu.be/pHBHjlb4y84
Beginners Guide To Story Development: Why Scripts Are Rejected - https://youtu.be/EUd5hZL62MA

CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
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Andy Guerdat has been a working writer/producer in film and television for the past 45 years, with hundreds of credits in movies, half-hour comedies, hour-long dramas, theater, and animation. He is currently a consultant at Disney TV Animation. 

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CONNECT WITH ANDY GUERDAT
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https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoDraft

MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS
99% Of Screenwriters Make This Mistake When They Begin - https://youtu.be/8-_5tw7hoh4
Learning Screenplay Story Structure - https://youtu.be/iywvNIWKbPI
21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS] - https://youtu.be/OPxxJ2wBNTA
Free Story Structure Training - https://youtu.be/gDXp6_2AVYc
Solve Your Story Structure Problems In 11 Steps - https://youtu.be/RPGTIqHBmUE

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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Screenwriting 101: How To Start A Screenplay - Andy Guerdat

Our new book... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 

Watch the video version of this podcast here on YouTube:
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In this original Film Courage compilation, 22 writers share insights into their writing process.

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RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
How To Learn Screenwriting In 4 Steps - https://youtu.be/_NLfn_p08KU
Nothing But Questions To Help Writers Write Better Stories - https://youtu.be/VHzDsoliZiY
42 Ways To Avoid Writing A Boring Screenplay - https://youtu.be/OBvusf6vn-0
Writing Character For Film and Television - https://youtu.be/13KcN-fRLFI
How To Write A Great Story (Decades Of Wisdom Distilled Down To 17 Minutes) - https://youtu.be/2-g1xYsgJ9s

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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

How Writers Write - Finding The Right Process For Success

Our new book... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 

Want to watch the video version of this podcast? Please visit Youtube here:
https://youtu.be/yWQxaQ_tJVY?si=zLU3WqQnWFBB5EFE

Support us on Patreon here - http://www.patreon.com/filmcourage.

MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS
Everybody Tells Stories But Not Every One Is A Writer - https://youtu.be/gaf-lqSBpEs
12 Stages Of The Hero's Journey - https://youtu.be/oNNaMuBOxv4
The Hero's Journey Is Not A Formula - https://youtu.be/4kyhi6jDvso
How The Hero's Journey Helps Writers With Their Characters - https://youtu.be/5BATvRkj2j8
Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within - https://youtu.be/NDLvVq9SCz4

CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

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15 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcFKlaChuS0

Want to hear your name before the beginning of one of our videos? Check out our Ko-Fi page here:
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BUY THE BOOK - THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting - https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F

STUDY WITH JILL CHAMBERLAIN
https://www.thescreenplayworkshop.org

DOWNLOAD THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE FORMS
https://www.jillchamberlain.com

Jill Chamberlain is the founder of a screenwriting school, a script consultant, a screenwriter, and the author of The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret to Successful Screenwriting. 

The Nutshell Technique is considered the go-to manual many professionals swear by. It's on the syllabus at film schools all over the world and has been published in Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Italian, and in audiobook format. 

As a script consultant, Jill has fixed and fine tuned scripts for Oscar-nominated screenwriters, top television showrunners, screenwriters whose movies have made over a billion dollars at the box office, award-winning independent filmmakers, and for many, many spec script writers. 

In 2006, Jill founded The Screenplay Workshop with Jill Chamberlain (www.thescreenplayworkshop.org) where she has personally taught thousands of screenwriters feature film and episodic television writing. Complete beginners to Emmy-winning screenwriters and award-winning producers enroll in her classes.

Find out more about her and her script consultancy at jillchamberlain.com.

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CONNECT WITH JILL CHAMBERLAIN
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https://www.thescreenplayworkshop.org
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https://www.instagram.com/jillchamberlainauthor

VIEWERS ALSO WATCHED
This Is How 99% Of Screenwriters Write A Story - https://youtu.be/8aprQXvWRXU
Screenwriting 101: How To Start A Screenplay - https://youtu.be/ghRoyKX3BtQ
15 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue - https://youtu.be/yWQxaQ_tJVY
Essential Story Tools Required For Screenwriting Success - https://youtu.be/CWfcjN8ajHg
Why I Hate Loglines And Everything I've Learned About Screenwriting - https://youtu.be/XoePwlIMq0w

CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
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http://twitter.com/#!/FilmCourage

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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting - Jill Chamberlain

Ken Ilgunas, author of 3 books including “Walden On Wheels,” has been called many things: a wanderer, pro-hitchhiker, journalist, and Alaskan back country ranger. Now, he’s taken on new titles like “husband” and “dad.”

This leads us to ask: What happens to the most adventurous of our society when we enter a phase that calls for settling down, growing roots, and re-entering institutions? It’s a life transition that can feel tricky and hard to navigate. Luckily, Ken candidly shares what he’s learned while walking down this uncertain road that comes with no playbook. 

In this episode he takes us into the company of strangers by telling stories made of hitchhike magic, ex-cons, and religious hallucinations while thumbing his way thousands of miles across the US. He then pulls us behind the scenes of the writing process where he transforms these gritty life experiences into something worthy of being page-bound. 

Listen in as we ponder the sacredness of books; how writers risk damaging relationships in the name of creating good art; and how writing changes the narrative about our own lives. 

“I think to be a good artist, a small percentage of you has to be a sociopath. You have to be willing to sacrifice something in the name of the art.”

Ken’s Substack: https://kenilgunas.substack.com/

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#75 Lessons For The Writer, The Rebel, And 30-Something-Year-Old With Ken Ilgunas

This week, in our penultimate episode, we look back at some of the best tips, interviews, and exercises we've had on Dear Writer. We share some of our biggest takeaway and offer advice to those just starting on their writing journey and those who are interested in co-writing.

Episode 162: The Road Travelled

Watch the video version of this podcast here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWd0E5mzYIo

Lux Raven is a Watty-winning romance author and Wattpad Creator based in Los Angeles, California. Her paranormal series, Siren's Mark, has amassed over 2.5 million reads online. She's currently working on her fifth book, Arrow to the Heart, with new chapters dropping weekly on Wattpad.

MORE VIDEOS WITH LUX RAVEN
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CONNECT WITH LUX RAVEN
https://www.luxravenwrites.com
https://www.wattpad.com/user/LuxRaven
https://www.instagram.com/LuxRavenWrites
https://www.tiktok.com/@luxravenwrites

VIEWERS ALSO WATCH
Author Reveals How Scrivener Speeds Up Her Writing Process - https://youtu.be/Q2bE_rDbeHE
Screenwriters, Write Badly With Pride - https://youtu.be/X_fMmdVL7zc
I've Read Over 100 Bad Screenplays... Here's What's Wrong With Them - https://youtu.be/NZ2trHI5-h4
It’s A Mistake To Write A Bad First Draft Of A Screenplay - https://youtu.be/uZaJQ_ivG6Y
Bad Writing Starts And Ends With Cliche - https://youtu.be/2X6l7UkajGU

CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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PERSONALLY SPONSOR FILM COURAGE
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Stuff we use:

LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important.  This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner.  Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq

AUDIO 

Rode VideoMic Pro  - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio.  It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG

Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k

LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light.  We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv

*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

I've Written 4 Novels... Here's Everything I've Learned - Lux Raven

This week is the final episode of Dear Writer. We talk about the journey we've had as podcasters and writers, and give you our plans for the future. Thanks for being an amazing podcast audience and happy writing!

Episode 163 - The End.

Writing a book is hard work. You need a reason to carry you through the tough times. 
Why do you care about this subject so much that you want to invest the time, emotional energy, and maybe money in order to write it? What will keep you going through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing? What is your why? 
Here are some reasons people write non-fiction books.

Excerpt from How to Write Non-Fiction, Turn Your Knowledge Into Words, Second Edition, written and narrated by Joanna Penn 

Why Write a Non-Fiction Book? from How to Write Non-Fiction Second Edition by Joanna Penn

🔍 Thriller author Andy Maslen talks about his writing process.

Reedsy Live: Creative Writing Masterclass with Thriller Author Andy Maslen

🔍 Learn to write the non-fiction book of your dreams with bestselling author Joanna Penn
📝 You can find a written summary of this podcast episode here:
https://blog.reedsy.com/live/write-non-fiction-book-in-2025/

Reedsy Live: 7 Steps To Write Your Non-Fiction Book with Joanna Penn

🔍 Learn to write a compelling memoir with editor Jodi Fodor
📝 You can find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:
https://blog.reedsy.com/live/memoir-fodor/

Reedsy Live: How to Craft a Compelling Memoir with Jodi Fodor

🔍 Learn how poetry can elevate your novels, short stories, and non-fiction books with poet Emma Murf


Reedsy Live: Using Poetry to Become a Better Writer with Emma Murf

Edita Kaye explains how stepping away from your work can supercharge your creativity and help you write faster.

Edita Kaye on Why Writers Should Take a Day Off – The Counterintuitive Secret to Writing More

Ever seen a children's book with questions, activities, or bonus content at the end? 📚 That’s called back matter — and it can be a secret weapon in making your book stand out to both readers and publishers. 🙌

In this episode of the Journey to Kidlit podcast, Brooke Van Sickle breaks down: 
* What back matter is and why it matters
* How to use it to highlight your book’s message (without being too didactic)
* What to include in your query letter if your story has back matter
* Plus—insider tips from live coaching inside Kidlit Academy

Whether you're writing about bullying, kindness, or historical topics, this episode will help you turn your story into a richer, more marketable book.

👉 Ready to take your book to the next level? Tune in now + download the FREE Children’s Book Template at https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

#kidlit #childrensbookauthor #writetip #writingforkids #backmatter #kidlitpodcast #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing #journeytokidlit

LINKS FOR EPISODE:
Join Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy
Get the FREE template: https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template


What Is Back Matter in a Children's Book? How to Use It to Strengthen Your Story and Impress Publishers

In this week's episode, classic crime aficionado Kate Jackson talks about her book, How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel. We also delve into the limitations around accessibility in the UK publishing industry, the power of finding a writing community and how classic crime is anything but cosy. 

Find out more:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress.com/
https://shorturl.at/vvmi3

Music credit: 'Water of Tyne' performed by Edinburgh University Brass Band (2009) arranged by Jack Stobbs, edited and scored for Brass Band by David Dye. Used with kind permission of the publisher, arranger and performers.

Episode 73: Kate Jackson

Welcome to Day 1 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff! 🎉This is a 5-part writing challenge to teach you how to start successfully writing a children’s book.

My goal of this challenge is to have you end with a finished draft of your story idea.

Today we're diving into one of the most important parts of writing a children's book—choosing the right story idea. You'll learn how to find an idea that inspires YOU and connects with young readers (and the market too). 💡

👉 By the end of this video, you’ll know:
 • What makes a strong, marketable story idea
 • How to match your passion to your reader
 • Where to look when you feel stuck or uninspired

📘 Grab the $9 Companion Workbook to follow along and take real action each day: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

 ✅ And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of this 5-day writing challenge!

TIMELINE:
0:01 - Welcome to the Kidlit Story Kickoff
0:40 - What to expect inside this special challenge
1:30 - The POLISH method we'll use inside this challenge
2:50 - How to Choose Your Story Idea
4:10 - 3 Ways to Begin Finding "Good" Story Ideas
5:30 - The Children's Book Categories to Choose from based on Your Target Reader
7:50 - How to "Vet" Your Story Idea and know it's marketable
8:40 - 2 Signs you need to Choose a New Story Idea
10:20 - Examples of Comp Books for a Story Idea
12:30 - Next steps to take

Day 1: How to Choose the Best Story Idea for Your Children's Book (Kidlit Story Kickoff)

Let’s create the star of your story! Today in Day 2 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff, we’re developing our characters into 3-dimensional people who feel real and authentic to the reader.

🎯 You’ll discover: 
 • What every strong character needs (besides a name!)
 • How to choose the right point of view
 • What to do if you don’t have a character

📘 Don’t forget your Workbook to complete your character card after the episode. Get the workbook Here: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

 ✨ Hit subscribe to keep going with this 5-day challenge and make real progress on your children’s book!

TIMELINE:
0:01 - Welcome to Day 2 of Kidlit Story Kickoff
0:17 - What to Expect in Today's Lesson
1:20 - How to "Gather" the Story Assets all Books Must Include
2:05 - Choosing Who will be the Star of Your Story
2:35 - A Breakdown of Point of View (POV) that you can choose from
3:35 - A Trick to Help You Stay in Your Character's POV
4:22 - The Items you need to make Your Character feel 3-Dimensional
5:10 - What to do if You Don't Have a Traditional Character
6:19 - The Next Steps to Take Today


LINKS FOR EPISODE:
* Get the workbook Here: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook

Day 2: How to Create Your Main Character (Kidlit Story Kickoff)

Est. in 2009 - YouTube channel on writing/film/acting

Check out our 2 new books! STORY QUESTIONS and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character
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