What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Walk Away
2. Read Through
3. Identify your Core Story
4. Focus on Big Ideas First
5. Revise in Layers
6. Strengthen Character Motivation
7. Raise the Stakes
8. Cut and Move
9. Check Scene Purpose
10. Sharpen Openings and Endings

SOURCES & LINKS

“How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/

“Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklist

Books on story structure, character, motivation and stakes

Story Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa Kron

Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Related ATB Episodes:

Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…)

Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51

Tension and Conflict, Episode 61

DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yet

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

How much can change in a year or three or more? In this special anniversary episode, Hope and Donna reflect on their journeys as authors and podcasters through a fun and revealing “Then vs. Now” conversation. From evolving writing processes and shifting definitions of success to behind-the-scenes podcast moments, they share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what they wish they’d known from the start. Honest, insightful, and full of personality, this episode is a celebration of the winding path of writing life.

SHOW NOTES:

How has your approach to writing changed from when you first started to today?

What did you believe about writing or publishing early on that you see differently now?

What used to intimidate you most about writing—and does it still?

What were your goals as a writer when you began, and how have they shifted?

When did you first feel like a “real writer,” and has that feeling changed?

How has your confidence—in your voice, your stories, and your place in the writing world—evolved?

What’s one aspect of podcasting that has changed from when you first started?

What did you think your favorite part of podcasting would be vs. what is it?

What is the biggest lesson you learned from podcasting?

How do you define “success” as an author today compared to when you started?

What’s one piece of advice you would give your earlier writing self?

Surprise: Rapid Fire Questions

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

What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice.

SHOW NOTES:

Biography

Women’s Fiction

Impact of Teaching

Multi-Genre Writing

Personal Connections in Writing

Writing Process

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Rapid Fire Questions

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.wendyhallerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyHallerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyhaller_author/

Sign up for her newsletter!

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