Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down.From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking clock, these powerful storytelling techniques will help y…

Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding villain motivation, how to make a villain relatable, and w…

Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without rushing!) Grab a notebook and get ready to be inspired. Let…

Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a pipe dream; in fact, it can be something that you finish…

Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this episode will give you the tools you need to make writin…

Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simply starting a new literary endeavor, we're here to help you prepare yourself to write your best novel. We will cut through the clutter and overwhelm and focus on the FEW vital things that will help yo…

Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in today's podcast. We'll explore six powerful tried-and-true methods for making your couple's relationship feel well-developed and compelling, even if you're working with a short timeline for your story. So, if you need tw…

Do you want to write flawed, lovable, and relatable characters? In this new podcast episode, we're exploring five simple techniques for making your characters more unique and realistic by giving them vices and virtues that will make your readers fall in love. Ready to take your characters to the next level? Grab a notebook, and let's dive into this…

Do you want to kick your story off with a bang and captivate your readers in chapter one? The secret is to make us care about your characters and write an explosive inciting incident within those crucial first few pages of your story. That's why, in today's podcast, we're exploring how to shove your characters outside their comfort zone in the firs…

Is your dialogue falling flat, sounding repetitive, or feeling forced? Do you want to elevate your dialogue-writing skills but don’t know where to begin? In this new podcast episode, Kate and I reveal three game-changing tips to transform dull dialogue into compelling conversations—as well as how to pinpoint problem areas so that you can take your …

The "aha moment" is one of the most important parts of your ENTIRE story! In this episode, we're diving into your character's realization and transformation... and how to leave a lasting impact on your audience. This is YOUR moment – the reason why you wanted to write this story in the first place! We're going to break this down step-by-step. So gr…

Are you a young writer or just a beginner, and you’re feeling...overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone. Kate and I are both familiar with the feeling of starting out on this writing journey and feeling pulled in a hundred different directions. How do you know if your writing is any good? When should you publish your first novel? How do you edit your …

Do you want to design a book cover that stops your readers in their tracks and instantly pulls them in? Are you struggling to figure out where to even begin with cover design? If so, today's podcast is for you. In this episode, Kate and I will divulge our best tips and techniques for designing a show-stopping cover — whether you're flying solo or w…

Do you ever compare your writing to others and feel like you just don't measure up? Does self-doubt ever make you want to throw your manuscript into the trash bin? Are you feeling discouraged because you're not where you want to be in your writing/publishing journey? If so, you’re not alone. These are mental battles that plague writers everywhere… …

Crafting a fictional setting, also known as world-building, is a crucial aspect of any good story. A well-crafted setting has the power to capture our attention and transport us into the world of the characters. However, if you reveal your world in the wrong way, you risk boring your readers and overwhelming them with information.In today's podcast…

Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you feel like you just can't get enough words down? This year, all that can change. In this podcast episode, Kate and I will share simple but powerful techniques that can help you overcome this challenge. We'll dive into developing personalized habits, finding an accountability partner, cultivating a…

You asked us writing questions... and we are here to answer them! In this end-of-year special episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we're sitting down and tackling your toughest writing struggles, offering insightful tips and tricks that have helped us throughout the years to build successful and joyful author careers. So grab your favorite cozy blanke…

Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we reach a point in the writing process where we ask ourselves: is it even worth it to keep going? We writers are introspective by nature, but sometimes our reckless imaginations come back to bite us when…

We’re nearly halfway through NaNoWriMo! A lot of writers experience a creative lull during the halfway point of a writing project — also known as the “mushy middle” 😰 when you might be feeling burnt out or lacking creativity. That’s why, in this new podcast, Kate and I are tackling one of the most daunting challenges any writer can face: writer's b…

One of the most daunting hurdles for writers is finding the time to sit down and write. 😩🕒 Kate and I understand the struggle of juggling various responsibilities and still trying to squeeze in some time for writing. That's why, in today’s podcast, we’re sharing our best tips for building an unstoppable writing habit and avoiding distractions. We’r…

There's one big mistake I often see many new writers make… a mistake that can ruin your whole story and end your author career before it even begins. (No exaggeration.) This mistake has destroyed many writers who could have been great, if they had just done this ONE THING differently. What is this mistake? That's the big question we are unpacking a…

Preptober starts now! Are you preparing to write your novel for NaNoWriMo 2023, but you're not sure where to start? We believe that everyone's process is different -- and that's why, in today's podcast, Kate and I are sharing out perspectives and best advice for bringing joy and creative inspiration to the story-planning journey. Grab your notebook…

Are you struggling to make your side characters three-dimensional, relatable, and compelling? What if you could give them internal conflict that deepens their character and enriches the plot, even if they don't have a POV? In this episode, Kate and Abbie share tips and tricks for writing side characters with internal conflict. They discuss how inte…

Are you tired of the same old romance tropes? Do you want to shake things up and create a compelling love story between your hero and villain? If so, this new episode of The Kate and Abbie Show is for you! Today, we’re diving into the complexities of writing a romance between a protagonist and antagonist. We're sharing simple but powerful technique…

Are you struggling to find time to write? Do you constantly find yourself procrastinating and avoiding your writing projects? Are you desperate to establish a writing habit that truly lasts? If so, today’s podcast is for you! In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, Abbie and I share powerful tips and techniques to help you overcome writing chal…

Condensing your perhaps 100k+ word book into a tiny blurb is no easy task! Many writers are intimidated by the idea of narrowing down their book to a mere, brief summery. We have but a moment to capture our readers attention! So what goes into crafting an engaging book blurb? We're breaking that down in this episode, so grab your notebook and lets …

Are you struggling to create an opening hook that truly grabs your reader's attention? Are you having trouble making your readers care about your characters and their desires? Do you feel like your world-building is getting in the way of your story? In this episode, we're discussing the key elements of a BANGER opening hook. We explore how internal…

We often hear the phrase, "Anti-heroes are too good to be 'bad' but too bad to be 'good.'" But there's more to these broody, dark, and irresistible characters. In fact, some pretty distinct features go into crafting an unforgettable (and completely lovable) anti-hero. So if you're writing a character somewhere between a hero and a villain... grab a…

Writing clear and captivating descriptions isn't always as easy as it sounds. We've heard from so many writers who struggle with this complex aspect of the writing process. Descriptions have the potential to immerse us in a story, transport us to new worlds, and introduce us to vivid characters. However, description can sometimes bog down your writ…

Not sure how to end your story? You want to write an unforgettable ending that will leave a lasting impression on your readers… but how do you pull that off in a powerful way? In today’s podcast, Abbie and I share the most important keys to writing an emotional and satisfying ending for your story. Whether you’re writing a standalone or a series — …

If you've ever read through a manuscript and worried that the internal conflict of your characters is just missing something but you can't quite put your finger on what... this episode is for you. Today, Abbie and I are discussing how to instantly take your character's internal conflict to the next level - without rewriting or heavy edits. So if yo…

Are you struggling to write a slow-burn romance that will make your readers fall in love and hold their interest until the very end? If so, today’s podcast is for you. We’re talking all about how to write BETTER SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. In this episode, Abbie and I are case-studying some of our favorite romances and share our best tips for creating tensi…

Are you afraid that what you're writing has all been done before? Is it too "cliche"? Is it an overused trope? Should you avoid writing tropes, or is there a right way to do it? In this episode, Abbie and I are delving into all things tropes, and answering the question that many writers have been asking themselves as they grapple with their novels:…

Are you ever overwhelmed by just how much information is out there about how to structure your fantasy world, your magic system, your characters, and your plot? There's a lot of information out there, and it can all be a little daunting. In this episode, Kate and Abbie are speaking from their own experience of fantasy writing to help you simplify, …

Do you struggle as an author with comparing yourself to other writers? That sinking feeling of dread that fills you when you scroll through social media or read articles online... this persistent fear of not being able to succeed as a writer. Do you find yourself facing this battle? If so, you are not alone. All creatives face this challenge, and w…

Do you struggle with self-doubt as a writer? Do you often wonder if your writing is good enough or if you have what it takes to make your author dreams come true? If so, this podcast is for you. In this episode, Abbie and I share some lifesaving mindset shifts that have helped us to overcome self-doubt and fear of failure when it comes to writing. …

Have you been procrastinating your writing lately? Are you torn between your desire to create and your fear that whatever you write will be total rubbish? If so, this new podcast is for you. Instead of blasting motivational music and muscling through your discomfort, Abbie and I take a holistic approach to overcoming procrastination – by reconnecti…

Ready to make your author dreams come true in 2023? This new podcast is for you! No more procrastinating, putting off that editing project, or convincing yourself you need to "do more research" before you can start writing that new novel you've been dreaming about. It's a new year – time to MAKE IT HAPPEN. In today's podcast, Abbie and I share our …

What are the three key ingredients to writing spot-on character voice? That's the question we're exploring in today's podcast. As writers, we want to build strong, engaging characters that will hook our readers on page one -- and while we want these characters to have transformative journeys and arcs, the one thing we DON'T want is for that charact…

Chemistry: that magic ingredient in a story that makes character relationships feel so darn REAL. What is it about a certain "ship," dynamic duo, or group of friends that makes us fall in love so much we can't shut up about them, need to make fan art & videos, and think about these characters as if they are real people? You can probably think of a …

If you’ve been on mine and Abbie’s respective channels, or watched this podcast for any length of time, you know that Abbie and I believe that this ONE ELEMENT is the most important part of telling a good story -- and that is... INTERNAL CONFLICT. Internal conflict is the desire and fear that your character faces within them -- the driving force th…

Ever dreamed of turning your story idea or novel into a film, but have NO IDEA how to go about screenwriting? Have you ever felt bewildered by all the multifaceted layers to writing a script - like formatting, and what kind of programs to use, or whether or not your even QUALIFIED to write a screenplay if you've only ever written novels? In this ep…

Tomorrow marks the first day of NaNoWriMo 2022! Who's ready? In this episode, we wanted to provide a burst of insight and helpful tools to arm your for your most fun & successful National Novel Writing Month yet, whether this is your first crack at the challenge, or your 10th. With these basic, easy-to-implement tools and methods, you're sure to hi…

Do you want to write better dialogue? If so, this new podcast is for you. When dialogue is written well, it can take your WIP to new heights, making your story feel vivid and realistic... but when written weakly, dialogue can feel difficult to believe and connect with, and actually distract from the message you are trying to communicate to your rea…

Do you want to write unforgettable side characters? If so, this episode is for you. Side characters can often take a backseat to the main story and sometimes feel like filler to simply add to the length of the plot. Sometimes they act as a comic relief or as a side-kick that helps the main character accomplish their goal...but many writers make the…

"How can we keep our community engaged with our content when our book is still not out?" "How do I know when my book is ready to be published?" "Is it harder to get in bookstores if I indie publish?" "How do you plan the process and the steps for publishing for the first time?" We're answering these questions & MORE in this special Q&A podcast epis…

From wizardry, to spells, to rings of power, to lost prophecies and deep curses, there's something about magic that has collectively captured our hearts as readers and viewers. Well written magic can catapult us into the stratosphere of mystical realms. But how do we achieve a successful, well-built magic system? How can we ensure that our magic sy…

Well written action can be downright addictive. Let's face it: we love watching our characters face their biggest challenges and worst fears. But what is at the CORE of a good action sequence that makes it so addictive? What keeps us watching or reading late into the night? Whether you are writing a high fantasy, a sci-fi, or a contemporary, as a w…

Have you ever had a book idea that you feel passionate about, but unqualified to write because you just don't know enough about the subject matter? You're not alone. Whether you are writing about someone's unique life experience, tackling a historical fiction, or scribbling a densely scientific space story, it can often be daunting to tackle the re…

Do you struggle to write descriptions that are short, sharp, and vividly immersive? It's no small task, this thing called "writing" – taking the images and ideas in our mind and painting a picture for your readers. That's why, in today's podcast, Abbie and I share our best advice for writing description (plus a special bonus printable to help you s…