Author Jenn Bouchard is a member of Grub Street and the Women Fiction Writers' Association, as well as a board member for her local Dollars for Scholars chapter. She is an avid cook and is always planning her next adventure. FIRST COURSE was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press and released as an audiobook in 2023 by Tantor Audio. It is now available in a second edition through Coastal Whisk. You will find her short stories in The Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, The Penmen Review, MARY, the Little Patuxent Review, and FOLIO. She also teaches short story classes for adults in the Boston suburbs. Her second novel, CONSIDERING US, was published on February 6, 2025 by Black Rose Writing.

SHOW NOTES:

Considering Us, February 6, 2025, Black Rose Writing

Overview

Inspiration

First Course

Food Motif

Publishing the first novel versus the second

On being a writer

Path to publishing

Planning events

Early inspiration for writing a novel

Juggling teacher, author, mom roles

Advice for new authors

Next novel

SOURCES & LINKS

Jenn’s Website: jennbouchard.com

Jenn’s Socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky: @JennBouchardBOS

The Author’s Guild

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into the best resources for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're plotting your first novel or preparing for a book launch, we've got you covered with expert recommendations and actionable advice. Tune in for a treasure trove of writing wisdom and get one step closer to achieving your publishing goals!

SHOW NOTES:

Books on Craft Master the art of structure, character development, and the nuances of showing vs. telling. Plus, find tools for sparking creativity and refining your editing process.

Writing and Querying Explore top websites for improving your craft, finding genre-specific tips, engaging in critiques, entering contests, and nailing your queries.

Book Marketing & Publishing Learn strategies for building your author platform, leveraging social media, gaining reviews, and creating effective publicity campaigns.

SOURCES & LINKS

ATB: Writing Resources

DO NOW: Determine where you are in the writing process. Select three-five resources to survey to see what works for you.

Next Episode: An Interview with author Jenn Bouchard, Considering Us and First Course

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

When writing a novel, it’s essential to develop complex, authentic characters that your readers come to care about in some way. In this episode, we’ll talk about ways in which you can create nuanced characters your readers can connect to, love or hate. And we’ll provide models of characters as examples and a FREE DOWNLOAD of exercises to help you achieve them in your work.

SHOW NOTES:

Develop Rich Backstories A character's history shapes their motivations, fears, and desires.

Embrace Flaws and Contradictions Complex characters aren't perfect; their inconsistencies make them feel real.

Focus on Internal Conflict Characters with layered emotions and dilemmas feel more authentic.

Create Distinct Motivations and Goals Well-defined motivations make characters’ actions believable and compelling.

Show Relationships and Reactions How characters interact with others and the space around them can reveal hidden aspects of their personality.

Examples of Well-Developed Characters

SOURCES & LINKS

Writers Helping Writers Series:The Thesaurus Collection by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (showing vs. telling)

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression

The Conflict Thesaurus, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus…

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

DO NOW: Character Development Exercises:

Backstory Journaling, Flaw vs. Virtue Chart, Internal Conflict Mapping, Dialogue Scenarios and Relationship Snapshot

FREE DOWNLOAD Character Development Exercises

Next Episode: The Write Resources to Set You on the Path to Writing, Publishing & Marketing

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you