Writing Momentum

Hosted by Christopher and Gena Maselli

Arts Books Education

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Episodes

143

Latest episode

May 2025

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About the show

Writing Momentum is the podcast all about writing, publishing, building your author brand, and selling your book. With more than 50 years of combined experience, hosts Christopher and Gena Maselli tackle questions and answers about writing, independent publishing, self-publishing, traditional publishing, branding your author platform, marketing, and even the best apps to use to give your freelance writing career success. Put yourself on the fast track to success when you get writing momentum today!

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60 recent

May 1, 202517 min

Nine Essential Steps to Turn Your Book Idea into Reality

Ever dreamed of seeing your book on Amazon's virtual shelves? The journey from a spark of inspiration to a published masterpiece can seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with the right guidance.In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, we unpack the nine essential steps to transform your book idea into a polished, published reality. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or a first-time author, these insights will help navigate the sometimes murky waters of the publishing world.What You'll Discover:The critical first step that many authors overlook when starting their book projectWhy outlining is crucial, even if you're a "pantser" who writes by the seat of your pantsThe editing process that can elevate your manuscript from good to greatHow to build buzz for your book before it hits the shelvesThe pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing routesWhy marketing isn't just for after your book is published (and how to start early)Key Takeaways:Understand your genre inside and out to align with reader expectationsCraft a solid outline to guide your writing journeyInvest in professional editing to polish your manuscriptBuild your author platform and marketing strategy earlyMake informed decisions about your publishing pathCreate a visually appealing product with professional formatting and cover designDevelop a robust marketing plan for long-term successBonus Tip:Learn why joining a supportive writing community can be a game-changer for your author journey.Don't let the publishing process intimidate you. With these actionable steps, you'll be well on your way to holding your very own book in your hands. Tune in to get the full scoop on turning your literary dreams into reality!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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

January 15, 202518 min

The Importance of the First Line

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli, along with guest Rene Gutteridge, delve into the significance of the first sentence in a book. They discuss how the opening line serves as a handshake with the reader, setting the tone and establishing trust. The episode includes examples of famous first lines and offers practical advice for making your book's opening memorable, whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction. The podcast also highlights the benefits of joining a writing community for continuous improvement and support. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:56 The Importance of the First Sentence 04:33 Analyzing Famous First Lines 08:29 Crafting Your Own Compelling First Line 14:31 Non-Fiction First Lines Matter Too 17:05 Join the Writing Momentum CommunityLINKS: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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

January 8, 202520 min

Mastering Your First Chapter

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli, along with their good friend Rene Gutteridge, discuss the importance of reworking the first chapter of your book. They share their experiences and insights on how to make the first chapter captivating and foundational for the rest of the story. The conversation covers how often they rewrite their first chapters, the significance of introducing characters and settings, and the challenges of establishing an ordinary world before the inciting incident. The episode also highlights the difference between fictional and non-fictional first chapters, the process of setting up future story events, and offers tips on building a connection with readers right from the start. Additionally, they introduce their Writing Momentum membership, which provides support and accountability for writers. 00:00 Introduction to Writing Momentum Podcast 00:38 The Importance of the First Chapter 01:29 Rewriting and Refining Your First Chapter02:11 Real-Life Example of First Chapter Revisions 10:36 The Role of Entertainment and Trust in Nonfiction 11:31 Introducing Characters in Fiction 15:50 Join the Writing Momentum Community 17:30 Final Thoughts and FarewellLINKS:Liz Wilcox's Email Marketing Membership at https://wmdeal.com/liz Get your FREE Move the Needle goal-setting for authors ebook at https://www.writingmomentum.comWrite with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

January 1, 202522 min

2025 Goal-setting for Authors

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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

December 18, 202423 min

Tips for a Healthy Brainstorming Session

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Gena and Christopher Maselli discuss how to conduct a healthy brainstorming session. They are joined by Rene Gutteridge, who shares her approach to brainstorming for her books, stories, and screenplays. The conversation touches on techniques such as: asking 'what if' questions, the 'yes and' approachthe importance of creating a positive, collaborative environment. They also explore how brainstorming can apply to both fiction and nonfiction writing and the value of feedback from diverse groups, including family members and writing communities. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Introduction 00:27 Special Guest Introduction: Rene Gutteridge 01:01 Topic Introduction: Healthy Brainstorming Sessions 01:47 Brainstorming Techniques and Personal Insights 04:11 Collaborative Brainstorming in Writer's Rooms 07:12 Creating a Positive Brainstorming Environment 10:39 Brainstorming Beyond Professional Settings 15:59 Techniques for Effective Brainstorming 18:02 Creating Problems for Characters 21:54 Conclusion and Community InvitationLINKS: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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

December 11, 202426 min

What to Do When You're STUCK

In this episode, we tackle the common issue of getting stuck during the writing process. Joined by award-winning author Rene Gutteridge, we explore practical strategies to overcome creative roadblocks in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Rene shares her insights on managing emotional and logical aspects of writing, the importance of stepping back, and engaging with writing communities for support. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this discussion offers valuable advice to help you maintain your writing momentum. 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Writer's Block 00:13 Meet Rene Gutteridge: Award-Winning Author 00:42 The Struggles of Writing: Getting Stuck 02:31 Applying Logic Over Emotion 05:52 Practical Tips for Fiction Writers 16:26 The Importance of Community and Support 22:13 Conclusion: Keep Writing, Don't Doubt YourselfLINKS: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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://wmdeal.com/wmmrene

November 6, 202416 min

3 Ways to Market Your Book Before You Publish

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena tackle one of the top questions they receive: How do I get people to buy my book? Chris and Gena discuss the importance of doing this early, even before you publish it. The topics include getting your newsletter audience invested, using social media and grassroots efforts to create buzz, and introducing yourself to others through various media outlets. Gena also shares a ton of “freebie” practical tips that will help you get ahead. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, these strategies will help you build relationships and generate excitement for your upcoming book.00:00 Introduction: Marketing Your Book Before It's Published00:50 The Importance of Pre-Publication Marketing04:03 Building Your Newsletter Audience08:36 Engaging Your Audience Through Social Media10:22 Networking and Media Outreach13:59 Conclusion and Final TipsLINKS: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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

October 30, 202412 min

The ONE Question You Should Ask Your Editor

In this episode, we explore a pivotal shift in approaching editors, coaches, and critiquers for writing feedback. Instead of asking, 'What do you think?' transform your question to 'How can I make this better?' This subtle change encourages constructive criticism and positions both you and your editor in a mindset for improvement. Join us as we dive into the practical implications and benefits of this question, drawing from personal experiences and insights from experienced writers and editors. Don't miss out on tips to enhance your writing and get the most out of your feedback sessions. 00:00 The One Question to Ask Your Editor 00:20 A Personal Shift in Writing Approach 01:56 Changing the Feedback Question 03:36 Real-Life Application of the New Question 05:37 The Impact of Asking 'How Can I Make This Better?' 08:21 Continuous Learning in Writing 11:09 Join Our Writing Community 11:58 Conclusion and Call to ActionLINKS: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 our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://www.writingmomentum.com/membership

October 23, 202417 min

Mastering First Page Critiques - The 5 Don'ts with Henry McLaughlin

Join Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli in their latest Writing Momentum podcast episode featuring award-winning author Henry McLaughlin. Known for his acclaimed Riverbend series, Henry delves into the importance of manuscript critiques, offering valuable advice on giving and receiving feedback, and best practices for submitting your work. This episode is packed with insights on refining writing, the supportive nature of writing groups, handling critiques, and the benefits of community feedback. Perfect for writers aiming to polish their craft and navigate the world of self-publishing. 00:00 Welcome to the Writing Momentum Podcast00:19 Introducing Henry McLaughlin: Our Resident Critiquer 01:32 The Value of Critiques in Writing 03:55 What Not to Do When Submitting for Critiques 07:39 The Importance of Submitting Your Best Work 09:00 The Value of Group Critiques 10:03 Writing as a Community Effort 11:33 Final Thoughts on Critiques 15:26 Join Our Writing CommunityLINKS:Write with us! Join our writing membership and get your book DONE! https://henrym--writingmomentum.thrivecart.com/membership/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.com

October 16, 202424 min

Mastering First Page Critiques - The 5 Do’s with Henry McLaughlin

Christopher and Gena Maselli are joined by award-winning author Henry McLaughlin, known for his Riverbend series and 'Emily's Trials'. Together, they tackle the importance of first page critiques, essential tips for preparing and receiving manuscript feedback, and how to make your writing stand out from the very beginning. Gena, emphasizes the significance of engaging readers from the start, while Henry shares key strategies for captivating openings. The episode also introduces personal critique services by Henry for Writing Momentum members. Join us to enhance your manuscript with professional insights and take your writing to the next level. 00:00 Welcome to Writing Momentum 00:16 Introducing Henry McLaughlin 01:45 The Importance of the First Page 05:51 Adapting to Modern Readers 08:04 The Value of Critiques 11:21 The Importance of Following Submission Guidelines 12:16 Anonymous Submissions for Fair Critiques 13:02 Group Critiques: Learning from Others 14:42 The Value of Open-Mindedness in Receiving Feedback 17:34 Editing Before Submitting: A Crucial Step 19:02 Depersonalizing Critiques: Focus on the Story 20:42 The Power of Gratitude in Receiving Critiques 22:25 Join the Writing Momentum MembershipLINKS:Get your work critiqued! Join our writing membership at https://www.writingmomentum.com/membershipLiz 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

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