Writing Roots

Extended Archives – Social Media and Marketing

No book can become a bestseller without outstanding marketing, and one of the best platforms for marketing in this age is social media. Whether it’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or even TikTok, social media is an essential tool for getting the word out about your books.
This extended episode takes a closer look at the use of social media and some of the best practices for marketing on those platforms.
Original version first aired July 13, 2020.
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Extended Archives – Writing Right Right Now

One of the most difficult things about working on a first draft is accepting it for what it is: a first draft. Some authors feel a compulsion to edit it constantly before the draft is even completed. Others get discouraged if it’s not shaping up to be exactly like a bestseller right away. As all authors experience, writing takes time.
In this extended archive episode, Leigh and Ley discuss their own troubles with discouragement in a first draft, and talk about ways you can write right starting right now.
Original version first aired November 2, 2020.
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Extended Archives – Rules of Writing

You will encounter rules about writing everywhere you turn. We’re taught grammar and structure in school. Teachers demand specific formats, like APA or Chicago. What about fiction writing? Is it necessary to stick rigidly to all of the rules, or do you even have to follow them at all?
The real answer for fiction is in balance. Like Captain Barbosa said, they’re more guidelines than actual rules. However, it is essential to at least know the rules before you break them. This makes all the difference between intentionally breaking the rules and accidents that look like mistakes.
Original version first aired April 27, 2020.
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Extended Archives – Target Audience

Welcome to the Extended Archives episodes! Writing Roots is on a temporary hiatus until July. Until then, we’ll be releasing extended versions of episodes from our archives, previously released only on Patreon.
Finding the right target audience is a major piece to the process of marketing, especially if you’re self-publishing. It changes how you market on social media, ad targeting techniques, and more. But you can’t do any of that until you know your target audience. This episode breaks down the process of finding your audience.
Original version first aired June 2, 2020
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S21E9 – Villainy: Should Villains Be Evil?

Villains can make or break a story. Their purpose is intertwined with the hero of the story. But what are their motives? Are they truly evil or are they simply a normal person who believes they’re doing right? Part of the answer depends on what role you need the villain to play, along with the genre of the story.
It could be the villain is a contrast to the protagonist and you need the extremes. It could also be that you need a sympathetic villain for your plot. Ley and Leigh debate which is better in this episode.
First aired April 29, 2021.
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S21E8 – Point of View: Single or Multiple?

Any story can be very different depending on whose point of view is taken during the narrative. The question, then, is whose story do you follow as you write? Do you only follow one character, or use several to help paint the story progression? Both styles present their own unique challenges and carry their own benefits.
Ley and Leigh debate the use of narrative point of view in this episode, discussing genre standards and how the choice can made a difference in the information relayed to the readers.
First aired April 26, 2021.
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S21 Bonus – Story Building: Plot First or Character First?

New authors often wonder what they should focus on more when building a story. Should they focus on the plot itself, or the characters? What should be built first when first deciding to tackle a story? There are benefits to either way, though each also come with their own pitfalls.
Leigh and Ley debate the different aspects of designing a story primarily by the plot or by the characters in this episode, breaking down their own process in order to help you find what works best for your stories.
First aired April 24, 2021.
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S21E7 – Stories: How Many Different Stories Exist?

The idea of story is nebulous. Humans have been telling stories from the dawn of time, even before there was written language. Even still, ideas are constantly being compiled into something new. That leads us to the question of whether there is a finite number of stories.
It depends on your perspective. Leigh and Ley discuss the idea of story and what it means for those who wish to create, even if you feel your story is too much like someone else’s.
First aired April 22, 2021.
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S21E6 – Point of View: Third- or First-Person?

There is no real wrong answer to whether you should choose first or third person when deciding on the narrative perspective. However, there are some things you should consider as you decide, such as the genre, how much information you need revealed, the main character(s), and the connection you want developed with the reader.
In this episode, Leigh and Ley debate the uses and problems with both main perspective styles to help you make the decision on your own.
First aired April 19, 2021.
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S21E5 – Romantic Subplots: Are They Necessary?

It can seem sometimes that every story has some kind of love interest, even if the story isn’t a romance. After all, it’s a great way to build connections between the characters and the readers. However, some authors argue that romance isn’t necessary unless you intend to write a romance novel.
Leigh and Ley debate the virtues and pitfalls of including a romantic subplot in other kinds of stories, from the connection it builds to only being there for extra drama.
First aired April 15, 2021.
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