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Manage Your Freelance Writing Career While Writing What You Love

How to Survive Being on Podcasts and Cameras as A Writer: 8 Tips

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It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a person listening to their own voice from a recording must cringe. I know I do. While as writers we go through phases of loving and hating our written work, having to talk to people on the record is a whole new challenge.

Some actors never watch their own performances on the screen after filming is done, and I suspect they do this to avoid hearing themselves.

Why Writers Need Podcasts and (Video) Interviews

But podcasts are here to stay. TV and video interviews are the bread and butter of writer publicity and marketing. Unless you are already famous with an established fanbase and an engaged email list of a few thousand, you can only ignore the audio and visual platforms at your own peril.

Every time I hear a marketing expert suggest we get on podcasts to talk about our writing, I find myself nodding enthusiastically. When it comes to pitching myself regularly, though, I fall behind. It is of course a cardinal sin: letting admin and writing and (some) procrastination derail your marketing efforts.

My Podcast/TV Experience

The first time I pitched myself to a podcast was for Lee Huffman’s We Travel There. My non-fiction work includes travel writing as well, so I talked about my hometown Istanbul. It was a lovely experience, and luckily video was off.

I enjoyed giving insider tips, especially about the Asian side where I live and most travel coverage concentrates on the European side of the city. And of course, I got to talk about my books as a bonus.

You might find it strange that a novelist got on a travel podcast, but as I mentioned earlier in the post I write about travel too, it made sense for me. It also makes sense if you are an authority on a place and your book is set there.

(I was also interviewed once on a podcast with camera on, and I was once filmed by a TV crew about mental health. In this article, I’m focusing on writing-related appearances.)

Even though I am used to seeing my own face on camera as I teach online, I still find it weird to see myself on the screen as part of an interview.

To get over this, I once agreed to do a TV interview here in Istanbul. They found me via LinkedIn, and I thought why not? Later, I learned that while they would interview me and broadcast it on their channel once for free, I’d have to pay if I wanted the recording. I passed. I was way too nervous, and it wouldn’t be worth the marketing investment. That said, getting in front of a real live TV crew and being interviewed by a host at a studio was a great experience. I thank them for thinking of me.

My latest appearance happened thanks to two writer friends Jon Meyers and Emily Brooks who started their own podcast: Write Better Together. It was a fun, educational and inspirational experience. You can listen to the interview here. If Spotify isn’t your gem, you can also find them on Apple and Amazon.

So let’s say you were invited to be on a podcast. How do you prepare? I’ve got you covered:

8 Tips to Prepare for a Podcast Interview

  • Listen to previous episodes to get an idea of the format, interviewing style and question types.
  • Know if the camera will be on. You might need to do some tidying up. And if you can, ensure the background includes your books and/or images of your books.
  • Know which platform you will be using.
  • Know what you will talk about and what you will say. But don’t go with a bunch of memorized stuff like a robot. Be flexible. Chances are whatever the topic is, you know what to say. You are an expert. That’s why they are having you on. 🙂
  • Know what you will say about your book. It is your book, and you know it better than anyone. But some reviewing and note-taking might be in order for an earlier book, and for the questions that stump even the veteran authors: “What’s your book about?” or “Why/Who should buy this book?” The problem isn’t that you don’t know the answer. The problem is the need to be interesting, succinct, and fun at the same time.
  • It’s okay to be nervous. Most hosts enjoy making you comfortable and understand writing is your main/preferred medium. If the host has a track of being controversial, argumentative or downright annoying their guests, just say no. But if you enjoy that sort of thing, you can take it on. Just prepare for the shocking stuff if you do.
  • Be flexible. Scheduling conflicts and changes can happen.
  • Don’t freak about potential tech problems. It can happen to anyone, and your hosts will probably help you out or do it another time.

 

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While I’m still not an expert, I’m slowly getting more comfortable. As always, I wrote this article not just to remind you but also myself: We need to market our work more consistently. And podcasts are a wonderful way to do it.

 

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Have you been on a podcast? A TV/video interview? Do you host a podcast or run a video channel yourself? Please share your experiences and links in the comments. Fellow writers and hosts will appreciate this. I know I will. ?

 

Writer Characters in Movies: Little Women’s Jo – For Love and Love of Writing

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Reader, please forgive me as I have sinned. I haven’t read Little Women (aff.link). I haven’t seen the 2019 version either.

In my defense, when Little Women movie came out in 1994, I was a kid fascinated with movies.  I loved it! I’ve recently rewatched it as an adult, and I enjoyed it just as much. And yes, the nostalgia feelings the cast create is priceless. I mean, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Claire Danes, Claire Danes, Christian Bale, and Gabriel Byrne in the same movie? Sign me up.

Little Women Plot Summary

Mrs. March (Susan Sarandon) raises her four unique daughters in relative poverty during post-Civil War America: Meg (Trini Alvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst, and later Samantha Mathis).

Meg is the oldest and more traditional of the sisters; she wants to get married and have kids. Amy is the youngest, and she’s already decided money is more important than love. Quieter, calmer Beth plays the piano and helps out those worse off than them.

Jo, the protagonist, is a writer. Her three sisters participate in her creative endevaors by acting out manuscripts. Their colorful lives become even more so when they’re joined by their next-door neighbor Laurie (Christian Bale). Laurie develops a close friendship with them all, though he’s closest to Jo. But when Laurie’s feelings turn romantic, Jo’s response will alter everyone’s lives forever.

Why It’s A Great Story, Especially for Women (and) Writers

We don’t always need to be represented on the screen to enjoy a great story. But it’s definitely a huge bonus when we are.

Being a woman and writer is definitely easier when compared to Jo’s time, though of course, some geographical and cultural exceptions apply.

Still, despite the available resources and fast Internet making life more convenient, being a writer is a weird and diffcult profession. You need to spend a lot of time on your own. You need to get used to being rejected. If you work for yourself, you need exceptional time management skills and patience as you navigate your days AND keep up with the industry.

It goes a long way to have friends who read your work and encourage you to keep following your dreams. This is why I don’t get some readers/viewers were disappointed Jo didn’t end up with Laurie (played by Christian Bale here, and Timothée Chalamet in the 2019 adaptation).

Admittedly, when I first watched the movie as a kid, I was surprised she fell in love with Friedrich. He had seemed too old and mature albeit lovely. But seeing it as someone who is now close to how old Gabriel Byrne was during the filming, I’m smitten with Friedrich. Not only is he beautiful inside and out, he is a champion for her work and talent. He is indeed marriage material, and I couldn’t be happier about Jo’s happy ever after.

Who Should Watch The Film

  • Fans of the genre (period drama/romance/family)
  • Fans of the cast
  • Women (and) writers

For Fun –  Best Little Women Reference

In the uber popular sitcom Friends (aff.link), episode 13 in season 3 (The One Where Monica and Richard Are Friends) features a fun Little Women plotline. Joey (Matt LeBlanc) loves reading Stephen King’s horror novel The Shining. But when he gets scared, he puts the book in the freezer. He’s surprised Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) hasn’t read it yet, so they exchange books. Hilarious scenes ensue as Joey gets emotionally invested in all the women’s lives…

Favorite Line

Ross: Joey’s asking if you’ve just ruined the first book he has ever loved that didn’t star Jack Nicholson.

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Have you read the book? Seen a movie adaptation (aff.link)? What about the Friends episode? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

 

Anyone But You: Haters to Lovers Trope Done Right

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*This post features affiliate links. If you purchase through them I make a little something at no extra cost to you.

 

Anyone But You is the 2023 romcom starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell that has brought more than $210 million at box offices worldwide against a 25 million budget, giving romcom lovers and writers hope everywhere.

As a romcom writer and fan, I was curious to see if the film would meet my expectations and it has. Before I get into the spoiler-including analysis of the film’s haters-to-lovers trope, let’s talk briefly about the film and the plot so that you can decide if you want to see it.

Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Anyone But You centers on Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) who have a great first meeting but “circumstances” turn their initial attraction and bond into “hatred.”

So when Bea’s sister and Ben’s good friend announce their engagement, these two are less than thrilled to have to spend a few days together in the same (albeit big and gorgeous) house. To prevent Bea and Ben from destroying the wedding with their animosity, the parents, brides-to-be, and friends plot to get Bea and Ben together. Noticing this early on, the duo fakes their relationship to get everyone off their back and help Ben get back together with an ex who happens to be his best friend’s cousin.

Expectedly, faking a relationship is never not complicated or hilarious.

My thoughts on Anyone But You

I really liked the movie. Was it always perfect? No. But it was a sweet and entertaining comedy with a great cast including Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, and Bryan Brown. Haters-to-lovers trope rarely includes mature characters, and this one is no exception. So yes, there will be some cringy moments and scenes where you want to shout “Why don’t you just talk honestly?” to the main characters. But as a whole, it’s a satisfactory R-rated romcom, and I wouldn’t mind seeing Powell and Sweeney play a couple again in another movie, hopefully, another romantic comedy.

The problem with haters-to-lovers:

As far as romance tropes go, this is one of my least favorites. I don’t believe two people who get on each other’s nerves can ever make a compatible couple. And does anyone still buy into the myth of “If they are mean to you, it’s because they like you.”? Sure, the world has billions of people. There must be people who do confuse flirting with bullying or just downright being insufferable around the person they are crushing on. But that’s not a healthy attitude, and the relationship will be a disaster.

But you can of course play around with tropes and give it your own twist. I did in my romcom novel A Change Would Do You Good. When my protagonists Kevin and Janie first meet, it’s all sparks and chemistry. They are new neighbors, and they are nice to one another. The problem is, Kevin finds her incredibly attractive while Janie is still recovering from a loss and isn’t ready to date anyone. And just when he thinks something is going to happen, she’s thinking they are making good friends. It’s when their wildly romantic pasts and current expectations clash that they turn into haters. But the sparks and chemistry are always there, and they are two people in their 30s. You can bet they don’t stay in the haters zone for long.

Bea and Ben follow a similar pattern. When they first meet, it’s fireworks. Their first date is the stuff of dreams. But two misinterpretations start an immature animosity. They have never really hated each other, though. They just hated thinking the other person didn’t feel the same way. And we are all prone to being a little childish when we are majorly disappointed.

And who doesn’t want to spend the majority of 103 minutes at a gorgeous villa in Sydney?

Romcoms are supposed to be predictable

Yes, and that’s why we love them. I just read a review that bashed Anyone But You for capitalizing on the looks of how the lead actors are and predictability.

News flash: 99% of romcoms – whether book, movie, or film – love to feature hot characters. We want to be with one character and we want to be the other. And if it’s not predictable in certain ways, then it’s not a romcom. If you don’t give us a couple who fall madly in love and stay together, it’s not what we wanted.

Now, not all romcoms are created equal. Some will be steamier. Some will be cleaner. Some will surprise you more. Some will be more annoying. And of course, one person’s cringe is another one’s favorite love story. There are several extremely popular romcoms that I hate. So while severely disagreeing with that one reviewer, I do respect their right to hate it – just not the reasons they gave for it.

My only beef with the movie…

It makes me feel old. While I’m from the same generation as Glen Powell, I’m just not ready to watch Dermot Mulroney as an adult’s dad or the supporting guy in a romantic movie. Whether he’s marrying his adorable girlfriend (My Best Friend’s Wedding), falling in love big time while fighting cancer (Griffin and Phoenix), or realizing he’s marrying the wrong woman after all (The Family Stone), I need him in the lead role in a romantic movie. 🙂

 

Other featured tropes in the film:

  • Love/attraction at first sight
  • Close Proximity
  • Plotting friends and family
  • Fake relationship

Also recommended:

  • The Hating Game. As immature as the characters can be, they at least have a somewhat valid reason to hate each other. I loved both the movie and the book.
  • Much Ado About Nothing (93 movie). You might not be in the mood to read Shakespeare, but what if you could watch a period romcom starring Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton and Keanu Reeves?
  • Griffin and Phoenix. Yes, watch My Best Friends’s Wedding and The Family Stone if you haven’t already. But Griffin and Phoenix is a romantic drama that is superior to both romcoms. And this is huge coming from me because I’m usually not in the mood for watching romantic films where both characters might die and a happy ending is improbable. But like I’ve covered in my book How to Write the Ultimate Non-Tragic Romance, it is one thing to suddenly tell your audience/reader that your character has cancer after they have invested in their relationship versus telling them right away. When the audience knows right away, all the drama feels more organic and it will be sadder. And it’s a healthy, realistic, sweet, and sexy romance between two adults – which is unfortunately not done that often.

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Have you seen any of the movies I mentioned in the post? What did you think? Comment away. 🙂

 

 

 

 

How to Use Excess to Create Memorable Characters in Your Fiction

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This looks like a smaller version of my cup collection. Or just how much coffee Lorelai drinks in a day…

 

“Everything in moderation” is good life advice in general. It helps us maintain healthy diets, not neglect or overdo exercise, don’t go bankrupt on shopping sprees… All sensible stuff.

But if there’s one place where excess is welcome, and it’s fiction.

Most of our favorite books, shows, and movies feature main characters with extreme habits and/or personality traits. Many stretch the courtesy to supporting characters as well.

While how much excess (and in what areas) one prefers can vary, here are some of my favorite “excess” examples:

Excess Examples in TV Series

Gilmore Girls

One of my all-time favorite shows Gilmore Girls centers around best friend mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. They share similar taste in music, movies, food, and clothing. They order too much takeout, consume a scary amount of coffee, and talk at a million miles a minute.

The show is funny, romantic and emotional, and the excesses don’t end with Lorelai and Rory. It merely begins there.

The maker of their favorite coffee, Luke (Scott Patterson), owns Luke’s diner. A town issue will up his grumpiness and ranting to the max.

Lorelai’s best friend Chef Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) is extremely clumsy, forgetful, and in love with her cooking.

Lorelai’s co-worker Michel couldn’t be more stereotypically French if he tried.

Town spokesperson Taylor is always annoying one poor soul or another with his demands, festivals, problems, complaints, etc… And when it’s not one or two people, he’s pissing off the entire town.

The town’s weirdest resident Kirk makes Phoebe from Friends seem sane and normal. There’s no job he won’t try, for one.

Lorelai’s next-door neighbor Babette is loud, loving, very fond of her cat and her husband, and doesn’t exactly know boundaries (but in a cute, warm way).

Last but not least, Lorelai’s estranged rich parents, Emily (Kelly Bishop) and Richard (Edward Herrmann) are excessively elitist, opinionated, lacking in empathy, and unappreciative of boundaries. Friday night dinners are a battleground. And both Emily and Richard are prone to tantrums that would make 5-year-olds facepalm.

Gilmore Girls is a quintessential feel-good comedy drama, and this beautifully written excess is one of the elements making it so memorable and addictive even after all these years.

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Friends

Actual footage and quote.

If you don’t think Friends isn’t funny, we can’t be friends. I’m kidding. Of course, we can. We probably shouldn’t watch a comedy together, though.

If Friends isn’t your kind of sitcom, pick yours. Sitcoms mine excess to hilarious results.

Whether it’s The Office, The Bing Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, or another show, you will notice the excess immediately.

In Friends, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) eats anything and everything. He covets food more than his own life, and almost as much as he loves sex. He is also very stupid. He is cute and loveable, but he likely wouldn’t survive long outside of a TV show. But there is an exception: If he’s trying to pick up a girl, his IQ suddenly spikes.

Initially, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is spoilt and clueless about the real world. As seasons progress, her remaining excess is her love for fashion and shopping.

Monica (Courteney Cox) is an amazing cook and terribly organized, clean, and competitive. She exhibits a love for cleaning that would prompt a psychological diagnosis. She once cleaned several cars in her neighborhood because they looked dirty.

Ross (David Schwimmer) is a massive dinosaur nerd. He gets excessively jealous when he dates Rachel, but outside of that, he is all about academia and dinosaurs and putting his friends to sleep.

Chandler (Matthew Perry) IS sarcasm. He is also hilarious. He manages to be extremely commitment-averse and afraid to be alone at the same time.

Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is just quirkiness personified. Bohemian, unique, and flaky, she is a lot of people’s favorite character.

 

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Excess Examples in Movies

John Wick

John Wick is very stylish and although bloody, it’s not too gory. Which is how I love my action thrillers.

Wrong John Wick (Keanu Reeves), and he will kill you. Even if you bring 100 people along. And we love him for it. Whether it’s guns, swords, hand-to-hand combat, or pencils, he will take you out. So don’t get in his way.

Any kickass action hero with kickass killing and survival skills fits here: Rambo, Robert McCall (The Equalizer), Lorraine Broughton (Atomic Blonde), Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible), Jack Reacher (is a great example because Reacher was/is a book series first, movie and then TV adaptation), Bryan Mills (Taken, of movie and TV series fame), Duncan Vizla (Polar), Evelyn Salt (Salt), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Cataleya (Colombiana)…

The list is long, but let me finish with Smith (Clive Owen) from Shoot ‘Em Up. Not only does the movie have a fantastic cast, action scenes, and a kickass rock soundtrack, but I’ll forever be grateful to have learned how deadly carrots can be in the right hands.

These people are deadly, but they will look after the people they take care about.

Excess Examples in Books

Pride and Prejudice

True to its title and theme, Elizabeth can be very prejudiced and proud. And so can the male main character Mr. Darcy.

Moreover, Elizabeth is incredibly modern and ahead of her time. She’d rather read and walk all day and night rather than conform to her society’s norms. Darcy is very introverted and prejudiced, so he comes off as rude.

But that’s not all. Elizabeth’s mother is so obsessed with marrying off her daughters, love and compatibility don’t even cross her mind. Collins’ lack of emotional intelligence and self-awareness are astoundingly hilarious.

A Change Would Do You Good

 

A Change Would Do You Good is a short, escapist rom-com trilogy, and is also the title of the first book in the series.

Excess in opposite directions works wonders for creating conflict.

My main character Janie is still recovering from a loss. She experienced true love and an amazing relationship, and she is certain she will never feel the same way about anyone.

On the other hand, her new neighbor Kevin has had a blessed existence. He is a top surfer, has never met a beautiful woman he couldn’t seduce, and has no interest in a romantic, serious relationship. Put these extreme ends together, and the sparks are electrifying.

But because this is an ensemble romcom novel, plenty of excess can be found in other characters: How well Ben and Greg’s lives are going vs. how much of a rut Linda’s in, Ashley’s apathy and disregard for others, the career Tom and Sam want vs. the career they have…

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Love it or hate it, any successful work of fiction has excess. When you write fiction, it’s okay to go all the way with character quirks, tastes, and personality traits.

When you are reading or watching and the excess puts you off, it might be that you aren’t the intended target audience. And it’s okay.

For writers:

If you find yourself lacking inspiration, look at yourself and your friends. What about you/them seems strange/over the top to other people? What have been some of your weirdest encounters? Remember how life is often stranger than fiction, and you’ll have more material than you can handle.

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What are your favorite excess examples in fiction? Let me know in the comments.

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