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The Writer's Help Desk

Arts & Culture Podcasts

No matter where you are on your writing journey we juggle our dreams with the reality of everyday life. Do you want to know how stories come into being? How do the words get on the page? Who puts them there? Where to start, and what you really need in your Writer's Toolbox that very few people will tell you about...That's the magic you're going to discover here on The Writer's Help Desk!

Location:

Australia

Description:

No matter where you are on your writing journey we juggle our dreams with the reality of everyday life. Do you want to know how stories come into being? How do the words get on the page? Who puts them there? Where to start, and what you really need in your Writer's Toolbox that very few people will tell you about...That's the magic you're going to discover here on The Writer's Help Desk!

Language:

English


Episodes
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S2 E6: The Publishing Process (Part 2) - When life happens how do you natigate the mindfield of obstacles to get published? What I learnt from publishing The Rose A Reality TV Romance

3/7/2023
We're up to episode 6 in this season of The Writer's Help Desk, and this episode is part 2 in my discussion about publishing and what went on in the background, behind the scenes, to get The Rose A Reality TV Romance published. I take you behind the curtain to see how unexpected life things happened, how changing my day job was meant to help me have more time for writing but didn't and the minefield of logistics and mental gymnastics that it takes to get published. There's a whole lot of encouragement in this episode, too, because writing a book and publishing it is HARD! In this season of The Writer's Help Desk, I'm taking you Behind the Scenes so you can see the processes that I used to get from idea to published with my up-and-coming novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance. There are lots of things I learnt, things that worked really well, that I use now when I'm writing my new books. There are things I would do differently, too. This season takes you inside my life, a sneak peek at what was going on life-wise in my world as I wrote The Rose, and gives you some encouragement that you can do it too! For more information about The Rose A Reality TV Romance, and to tell me your thoughts and ask me your questions - head to DustyStories.com Thanks for listening! CWD + Zoe Shackleton ;) PS: If you want your free download of The Rose Extras, 11 Behind the Scenes Short Stories from The Rose A Reality TV romance, then head to DustyStories.com PPS: If you're wanting to work with me email me at inspire@dustydreamerhq.com or find me on Facebook @TheWritersHelpDesk Support the show

Duration:00:18:26

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S2 E5: The Publishing Process - What I learnt about covers, formatting, & pen names when I decided to publish The Rose.

3/6/2023
Episode 5 it's time to delve into the publishing process and all the things I learnt taking my novel from manuscript through to something that resembles what you would find in a book store or library. I cover things like covers, genre, formatting, pen names and lessons I learnt along the way! In this season of The Writer's Help Desk, I'm taking you Behind the Scenes so you can see the processes that I used to get from idea to published with my up-and-coming novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance. There are lots of things I learnt, things that worked really well, that I use now when I'm writing my new books. There are things I would do differently, too. This season takes you inside my life, a sneak peek at what was going on life-wise in my world as I wrote The Rose, and gives you some encouragement that you can do it too! For more information about The Rose A Reality TV Romance, and to tell me your thoughts and ask me your questions - head to DustyStories.com or DustyDreamerHQ.com Thanks for listening! CWD + Zoe Shackleton ;) PS: If you want your free download of The Rose Extras, 11 Behind the Scenes Short Stories from The Rose A Reality TV romance, then head to DustyStories.com Support the show

Duration:00:19:19

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S2 E4: Editing The Rose A Reality TV Romance, how to know when you should stop editing and publish your book!

3/6/2023
In this season of The Writer's Help Desk, I'm taking you Behind the Scenes so you can see the processes that I used to get from idea to published with my up-and-coming novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance. There are lots of things I learnt, things that worked really well, that I use now when I'm writing my new books. There are things I would do differently, too. In episode 4 I delve into editing, when to know when to stop, the psychology of getting published, and one BIG lesson I learnt along the way. This season takes you inside my life, a sneak peek at what was going on life-wise in my world as I wrote The Rose, and gives you some encouragement that you can do it too! For more information about The Rose A Reality TV Romance, and to tell me your thoughts and ask me your questions - head to DustyStories.com Thanks for listening! CWD + Zoe Shackleton ;) PS: If you want your free download of The Rose Extras, 11 Behind the Scenes Short Stories from The Rose A Reality TV romance, then head to DustyStories.com Support the show

Duration:00:12:13

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S2 E3: Revising The Rose A Reality TV Romance to prepare it for publishing and where, why, and how beta readers can help you in your publishing journey

3/6/2023
In this season of The Writer's Help Desk, I'm taking you Behind the Scenes so you can see the processes that I used to get from idea to published with my up-and-coming novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance. There are lots of things I learnt, things that worked really well, that I use now when I'm writing my new books. There are things I would do differently, too. In episode 3 I delve into what changed between my 1st draft of my novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance and the final story. But more important than what changed, for your learning, is why. Why did I choose to make specific changes? Did it make the book better? And how you can turn your ok 1st draft into a killer final ready to publish manuscript! This season takes you inside my life, a sneak peek at what was going on life-wise in my world as I wrote The Rose, and gives you some encouragement that you can do it too! For more information about The Rose A Reality TV Romance, and to tell me your thoughts and ask me your questions - head to DustyStories.com Thanks for listening! CWD + Zoe Shackleton ;) PS: If you want your free download of The Rose Extras, 11 Behind the Scenes Short Stories from The Rose A Reality TV romance, then head to DustyStories.com Support the show

Duration:00:25:01

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S2 E2: Writing the 1st Draft of The Rose - tips you can use to write your 1st draft

1/23/2023
In this season of The Writer's Help Desk, I'm taking you Behind the Scenes so you can see the processes that I used to get from idea to published with my up-and-coming novel The Rose A Reality TV Romance. There are lots of things I learnt, things that worked really well, that I use now when I'm writing my new books. There are things I would do differently, too. This takes you inside my life, a sneak peek at what was going on life-wise in my world as I wrote The Rose, and gives you some encouragement that you can do it too! For more information about The Rose A Reality TV Romance and to tell me your thoughts and ask me your questions - head to DustyStories.com Thanks for listening! CWD + Zoe Shackleton ;) Support the show

Duration:00:14:13

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S2 E1: How I got the idea and why it was worth writing The Rose A Reality TV Romance - How can you know if your idea is any good?

12/30/2022
If you've ever wondered how a novel is written, I'm about to show you step by step my process. Taking you behind the scenes of my new novel, The Rose - A Reality Tv Romance. In Episode 1, I'm talking all about my idea, where it came from, why it worked and something I've learnt from reflecting on why this idea worked for me. Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk And if you want more info on how you can get your hands on The Rose head to dustystories.com Support the show

Duration:00:12:54

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S1 E9: How to be a confident writer 101

11/15/2022
If you don't trust yourself, you look outside yourself for answers. What happens when you, as the writer, are the one who is supposed to have the answers to the story you want to write but instead of taking ownership of your story, you look to others for the answers? Ultimately you end up writing someone else's story... Sounds fun, right? No, not really. The whole point of writing is to express your own thoughts and ideas and make these end up in some kind of form others might want to read. So, you ultimately decide what goes in your writing. But how do you get to that point? How do you be ok with your opinions and your instincts for what your story is and is not? In this episode, we delve into this topic. If you want more episodes like this one, please let me know! Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk From The Writer's Help Desk, CWD Support the show

Duration:00:21:23

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S1 E8: The Writer's Toolbox - Connecting with Other Writers - 5 places to look

9/11/2022
Writing can be a lonely, isolating thing to get involved in. You may not know anyone in your town or city who writes. So, where do you look for connections and people to talk to about your passion? I'm covering a few places to look for connections that will add spice to your life... FacebookWriters With Lives Facebook GroupNaNoWriMoStoryOrigin Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Taking it one step at a time, CWD Support the show

Duration:00:12:54

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S1 E7: The Writer's Toolbox - Your Writing Roadmap - First Drafts and Editing

9/4/2022
There's a lot of terminology when you first start writing or researching how to write; from first drafts to all the different kinds of editing, alpha and beta readers, plotting and pantsing, and so much more, it's easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start. This episode gives you some tips on how to focus on first things first, which is getting your first draft down onto the page! We also chat about the different kinds of editing too. There's a whole season's worth of content we touch on, but this is an overview so you always have the big picture in mind and know where you are on your writing journey. My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Taking it one step at a time, CWD Support the show

Duration:00:17:46

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S1 E6: The Writer's Toolbox - Top Tips for Keeping Yourself Motivated to Write

8/23/2022
How do you stay motivated to write? Why is important that you trust yourself and the process of writing? How do you keep writing fun and exciting while tackling learning the skills and techniques to write something awesome? You'll find out all this and more and get some real-life encouragement from CWD, a writer who worked 12 hours a day in a very stressful job and still managed to write not one but several novels. You've got this writers! Whether you're new to writing or a veteran, I want to help you love writing, quit the overwhelm and focus on telling your stories. If this sounds awesome, have a listen, subscribe to the show, leave a review if you feel inclined... and if you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to email or get in touch via Facebook. I'd love to hear from you! My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Until next time! Write on! CWD Support the show

Duration:00:21:40

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S1 E5: The Writer's Toolbox - How you can find time for your writing

8/9/2022
How do you juggle work, social life, and responsibilities and also do the thing that breathes fire into your soul (that's writing)? Why is it the little decisions that count? And how you can find time for your writing. In this snack-length episode, find out what I've learnt over the years about pursuing my creative dreams and how it's so easy to put other people and things first that you have to be aware and make the time. Be inspired, allow yourself time to write and create something amazing. I'm looking forward to your comments! If you want to leave feedback, suggestions, or questions please do so. I'd love to hear from you! My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Choose Writing, CWD Support the show

Duration:00:13:08

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S1 E4: The Writer's Toolbox - How your brain works and why it's important for getting words on the page aka writing!

7/25/2022
You might have heard your brain has two parts to it. But what does that have to do with writing? Why should you add this understanding to your Writer's Toolbox? Why is it the one thing that stops a whole lot of people from even starting a writing project and a whole lot more people from ever finishing anything? I'll give you a hint - Your brain is super powerful, and knowing how it works on a simplistic level (not a brain surgeon here) will help make writing an easier task when you do pick up a pen or sit down in front of a blank page with your fingers at the ready. Knowing this powerful yet simple thing helped me overcome writing stage fright and get my stories out there. And if I can do it, you can too! My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk xox CWD Support the show

Duration:00:16:35

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S1 E3: The Writer's Toolbox - Your Story is YOU!

7/21/2022
Why is writing the ultimate adventure of self discovery? Why is it so important that you know that sometimes the words you've written are not only a part of you but also totally surprising too? And what exactly do you do once you realise that you aren't the person you let everyone else see? You're much more than you realised? You have thoughts and insights that are unexpected? What happens when you let someone you know read your heart on a page, and their reaction isn't what you expect? Why you need to be careful about who you share your writing with when your idea is new and delicate like a little baby fawn. All this and more is discussed in this episode of The Writer's Help Desk in season 1 which is all about giving you the tools to start writing with confidence right here right now - today! My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Support the show

Duration:00:21:52

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S1 E2: The Writer's Toolbox - You NEED to know THIS about writing to save yourself getting STUCK!

7/11/2022
Are you overwhelmed by so many to-dos you don't know where to start? Maybe you've already delved deep into the how-to-write-a [insert type of writing you want to write here] maze. I know what it's like when you're searching for answers, a clear, simple path to write a book, a novel, a short story, or maybe even a memoir. The avalanche of information that's out there can get you stuck in the mud! The pressure of knowing what a finished book/novel is meant to look like is enough to make any sensible human want to run and hide under a rock (and that's why most people do). Writing can't be simple can it? You need to know XYZ and ABC before you even start, and you have to have...blah blah... yeah, I've heard it all before. But overthinking anything can lead to total and utter panic, fear, and anxiety and no one who's ever written anything can write very much under those conditions. So, what do you need to know about writing a novel or a book? Why is it so important that this topic is number 2 in your Writer's Toolbox? I suppose you're going to have to listen to find out... My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Support the show

Duration:00:30:49

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Trailer

7/11/2022
So, you want to know what The Writer's Help Desk is all about... listen up, listen in... I've got all the tools you need to know to write anywhere, anytime, with incredible super human confidence. Sound too good to be true? Maybe it is? But what have you got to lose if you don't listen? Time, energy, passion, your dreams - yup, there's a lot at stake if you don't take a few short minutes out of your day to upskill, to tool up, to become the writer you've always dreamed you might be but never knew how. I've got your back because I've been where you are, in the weeds. Let's make writing fun and exciting the way it was meant to be and get your stories out there! Leave your comments at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com Support the show

Duration:00:00:34

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S1 E1: The Writer's Toolbox - The 1 thing you need to know that will help you start writing and finish writing every single time!

7/11/2022
Writing any story is a journey and one with a goal and many paths to get to your destination. But is your writing a reflection of you? Are the words on the page the story you want to tell? Are you stumped by all the technical must-knows and to-dos that are holding you back from writing or cause you to question your story at every turn? How do you have the self-belief to attempt such a great feat as writing a novel or publishing a book? How do you do what astronauts do but with words? Find out this and more on the very first episode of The Writer's Help Desk. Upskill yourself. Add another tool or two to your toolbox and learn why you and only you can tell the story that's inside of your head. My aim, as always, is to help you; Leave your comments and questions, or just say hi at @thewritershelpdesk (Facebook) or email inspire@dustydreamerhq.com And if you want to join our epic mailing list for exclusive content and Behind The Scenes action, head to http://www.DustyDreamerHQ.com/the-writers-help-desk Rock on, Writers! CWD Support the show

Duration:00:29:24