Episode 164 / We delve into writing craft this week with mystery author and podcaster John Gaspard, who shares how to use filmmaking techniques in novel writing.
We also discuss finding unique aspects of our lives and using them in our books. We also cover some practical tips like the importance of eliminating unnecessary details between scenes and chapters, as well as cutting the last sentence or two of a scene, a technique recommended by Aaron Sorkin.
John also shared how he uses existing content to create podcasts for readers.
Links:
Save the date: Written Word Media series: What We Wish We’d Known About Publishing With Sara Rosett and Jami Albright (April 27th, 2023 at 12:00pm ET): https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/speaker-series/
Show notes:
Timestamps:
[00:00:52] Writing Veteran Transitions to Fiction Novelist
[00:09:04] Don’t encourage friends and family to buy
[00:11:32] Author Buys Back Rights From Publisher: Success Story
[00:19:17] Shifting Perceptions of Traditional Publishing vs Self-Publishing
[00:21:27] The Popcorn Principles: Filmmaking Techniques for Writing”
[00:23:33] Exploit Your Unique Perspective in Filmmaking
[00:27:12] Maximize Impact: Lessons on Scene Structure
[00:32:44] Leveling up: Revealing Character and Backstory through Dialog
[00:36:38] Podcasting Chapters of Your Novel
[00:42:31] The Timeless Podcast: Evergreen Content
Author website: https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com
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Writing Craft: Applying the Principles of Filmmaking to Novels with John Gaspard
The Power of Practice
John Gaspard, a successful author and filmmaker, pointed out the blank page can be intimidating. However, he believes that consistent practice can overcome this fear. “I’m not afraid of the blank page because I know eventually I will fill it up.”
Exploit the Unique
One of the most important pieces of advice that Gaspard has for writers is to exploit what makes them unique. “You have something unique in your life that you’ve experienced that no one else has,” he says. “And if you put that in the book, that’s going to help it stand out a little bit more.”
Changing Perception on Self-Publishing
In the past, self-publishing was often seen as a last resort for authors who couldn’t secure a traditional publishing deal. However, as Gaspard points out, that perception is changing. “Just because you publish it doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. And just because a publisher published it doesn’t mean it’s a good book.”
Marketing Tips for Authors
When it comes to marketing your book, Gaspard has some advice: don’t rely on your friends and family. “Don’t encourage your friends and family to buy your books,” he says. “Because they’re not going to buy enough to make a difference, and they’re not going to be objective.”
The Importance of Ending a Scene Right Before it Should End
One of the most interesting pieces of advice that Gaspard has for writers is to end a scene right before it should end. “You want to end it right before it should end, and you want to start it right before it should start,” he says.
Creating Timeless Content
Finally, Gaspard emphasizes the importance of creating timeless content. When creating a podcast to promote his books, he made sure to avoid any references that might date the content. “We don’t do hey, what’s up with you? With my co-host, and hey, what’s going on in your life?…By the time they’re reading those, they’re old enough to start the series, and they will, in theory, go through the whole series, and they can listen to the podcast.”
More links:
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplan
Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians
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