5 Writers 5 Minutes

2.35 How do you know when your story is finished?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +1100

How do you know when the story you've been working on for ages is actually done? You'd think it would be easy to know but that's not always the case. Sometimes, you want to keep writing because the ending still doesn't feel satisfying... or maybe you just want to keep tweaking the draft to make it PERFECT. There comes a time when you just have to let go!

Thanks so much to Maryam Master for filling in for Tristan today!

Visit the authors:
Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com
Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com
Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com
Lian Tanner: liantanner.com.au
Zanni Louise: zannilouise.com

Music: On The Roads by Evert Zeevalkink
Podcast produced by Aud Pitch: http://virtualcreatrix.com

2.34 How to Create a Good Mindset for Writing

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Staying connected to your creativity isn't always an easy thing. Besides just sitting down and actually WRITING (which sounds so easy... but is soooo not), we need to make sure we're prioritising practices that help the flow of inspiration. In this episode, the team share how they nurture themselves to continually show up on the page.

Thanks so much to Maryam Master for joining us today!

2.33 How Every Story Is Different

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Sometimes, writing the second book is harder than the first! You think you've cracked the story-writing code and every book after your debut will be easy peasy... only to find yourself stuck in the mud! The team share some encouragement to help you continue on the journey. Don't give up, friends!

Thanks to Maryam Master for joining us today!

2.32 How does Scriptwriting Inform Our Writing Process?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +1100

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Today we have Maryam Master with us to chat about how scriptwriting has shaped our writing. Whether it's through dialogue, writing action, or the three act structure, scriptwriting can be a useful technique to keep your story snappy and to-the-point. Have you ever tried using this technique to write?

Make sure to check out Michael Arndt's video "Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great" on YouTube.

You can find Maryam Master on Instagram!

2.31 Making BIG Changes To Your Story

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1100

It's never fun when you receive feedback from agents and/or editors advising you to do big rewrites on your story. But you know what? After giving yourself the space to sulk, you almost always find that these rewrites make your story stronger. And isn't that what we want most of all?

Thanks to Mick Elliott for filling in for Tristan Bancks!

2.30 Writing Cliffhangers and Closing Lines

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Can you think of a cliffhanger from a story that got you so excited you had to keep reading? In this episode, the team chat about how they tackle cliffhangers in their own books, and what feelings they want to evoke when writing their closing lines.

Thanks to Mick Elliott for filling in for Tristan Bancks!

2.29 Writing Humour

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1100

We all love reading funny books, right? But how do you write humour? It can be tricky but the one thing to always remember is if you make yourself laugh, there's a good chance others will laugh along with you!

Thanks to Mick Elliott for filling in for Tristan Bancks!

2.28 Accepting Criticism

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1100

It's never a great feeling to be told your story isn't working or that your writing needs work. But we're here to remind you that feedback is important to make your story the best it can possibly be! So don't worry—even established writers get knocked back and critiqued! Keep at it!

Thanks to Mick Elliott for chatting to us today!

2.27 Creating Baddies Readers Love to Hate

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1000

The hero of every story needs a baddie. They can come in the form of a nemesis or sometimes, the hero's own struggle is the baddie of the book! But how do you write a good baddie?

Thanks so much to Nathan Luff for hanging out with us!
Check out Nathan's books here: https://nathanluff.com.au/

2.26 How To Keep Going When You Lose Confidence

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1000

"My story isn't good enough."
"I am a terrible writer."
"No one will like my book."

Every writer has had these thoughts swirling through their minds. And it's ok. We're all human, right?
In this episode, the team chat about feeling vulnerable and how they remind themselves to keep going when their self-doubt gets loud.

Thanks so much to Nathan Luff for hanging out with us!
Check out Nathan's books here: https://nathanluff.com.au/

2.25 Showing Characters' Emotions

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1000

How do you convey emotion in your story? What does your character do with their hands when they are sad? Where do they feel fear in their body? And how can you write these emotions in a way that isn't cliché?

Thanks so much to Nathan Luff for hanging out with us!
Check out Nathan's books here: https://nathanluff.com.au/

2.24 Opening Lines

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hey friends!I It's so good to be back. 😊

Today we have Nathan Luff joining us as we discuss the opening lines of our books. Finding the perfect words at the VERY start of your story can be daunting so we hope this episode helps.

Check out Nathan's books here: https://nathanluff.com.au/

2.23 Plotter or Pantser?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hey folks! Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. Tristan Bancks is busy at the moment so Sue Whiting has been kind enough to sit in for a few episodes. Thanks Sue!

This week, the team chat about pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants without much pre-planning) and Plotting (spending a lot of time planing out your story before you begin writing). Which are you? Does it change with every story you write?

Remember - there is no wrong way to write. You just have to find the best way FOR YOU!

2.22 Adverbs and Adjectives: Friend or Enemy?

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes! In this episode, the team chat about adverbs and adjectives, which can sound good... but say very little, while not moving your story forward!

It's all about making all your words work really hard! Have a listen.

Filling in for Tristan Bancks is Sue Whiting!

2.21 Making Magic Real

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Writing stories filled with magic is fun.... but definitely not as easy as people think! There are lots of rules to creating a world with magic and these rules can't be broken or else the magic doesn't feel real. And if there are no limitations to the magic, then what's at stake?

If you're planning on writing a story with magical themes, this is definitely the episode for you!

Filling for Tristan Bancks is Sue Whiting!

2.20 Avoiding The Dreaded Info Dump

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Have you heard of the saying, "Show—don't tell?"

In this episode, the writers talk about info-dumps—boring blocks of text with backstory or other information writers think their readers need to know.
But the question is, do they really need to know so much? And is there a better way of sharing this information besides dumping it all in a very boring paragraph that stops the story moving forward?

Listen in to hear what the gang have to say.

Our special guest is Sue Whiting! Make sure you check out her books.

2.19 Every Writer is Different

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hey pals, welcome back.

It's so easy to compare yourself to others, isn't it? In this episode, Zanni, Lian, Sarah, and Deb talk about how they make sure they stay focused on their own unique voice!

2.18 Deep Dive Into Magic Awry by Sarah Armstrong

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hello friends!
As you can see, Tristan is still not back so we are still 4 writers. Come back soon, Tristan!

This week Sarah answers some questions about Magic Awry, the second book in her amazing Big Magic duology.
Do you have any questions for Sarah? Ask away in the comments and she'll answer them.

2.17 Convincing Character: Dialogue

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hey hey, friends! This week, Tristan couldn't make it but he says hello to you all and he'll be back for the next round!

In this episode, we discuss how to write dialogue that feels real while propelling the story forward.
Can you think of an example of good dialogue from a book you recently read?

2.16 Brainstorming A Story

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Happy Tuesday, pals! Thanks so much for hanging out with us today.
In this episode, the team brainstorm the beginning of a mystery involving a missing parent, a rollerskating rink, and corruption! Oooooooh!

If you're inspired to run with this writing prompt and have a go at writing a story with it, please share it with us. We'll share excerpts in a later episode!

2.15 The Unconscious Mind

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hello friends, and welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes.

This week, the team chats about connecting and trusting the unconscious mind— the part of you that uses intuition to create a story.
How do you connect to your unconscious mind? Are you someone who sits down to write with only a very loose plan or do you spend a good chunk of your time planning your story before even sitting down to write?

2.14 Your Typical Writing Day

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +1000

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes, friends!

This week, the team chat about their typical writing day and are surprised to find out how similar their daily practices are!

Any night-time writers out there? We'd love to hear from you because... how on earth do you make it work? We just don't get it. 🤪

2.13 Deep Dive: Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome back friends!

This week we get Zanni in the hot seat and as her lots of questions about her wonderful new book, Cora Seen and Heard.

Have you read it yet? Let us know your thoughts!

2.12 Writing Personal Stories

Tue, 14 May 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Today, the team chat about how important it is for them to put themselves—even in the smallest of ways—into their stories.
It may not be as obvious as a character that looks like you, but it could be writing a character that believes in the things you do, or reacts in ways you'd react!

Do you need to inject a little bit of YOU into your characters, or do you try to keep yourself out of your stories?

2.11 Deep Dive: The Kindness Project by Deborah Abela

Tue, 07 May 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome back!

In this episode, we ask Deb Abela some burning questions about her latest book, The Kindness Project.

Have you read it? What did you think? Feel free to ask your burning questions of your own over on our Youtube channel!

2.10 What To Do When Writing Is Hard

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes.

In our 30th episode, we want to let you know that seasoned writers sometimes find it hard to write too! You are not alone! But here are a few things we do to try to move our stories forward.

2.9 Build That Set

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1000

How do you create realistic locations that your readers can see (and, more importantly, FEEL) as they read your story? In this episode, the writers share techniques to build sets that are as important as the characters!

2.8 Writing Stuff That Matters

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!
In this episode, the team chat about how important it is to write about the things that matter to you, because that's when your writing improves, and story really shines.

2.7 Deep Dive: Fledgewitch by Lian Tanner

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Hello friends!

This episode is a little bit different. Today, we spend some time talking about Lian's brand new book, Fledgewitch, Book 2 of the Dragons of Hallow series!
Do you have any questions for Lian? Feel free to leave a comment!

Check out Fledgewitch here.

2.6 Sparking The Action

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1100

In this episode, the 5 Writers talk about inciting incidents—that big life-changing event that takes the main character on their journey! Think of your favourite movies or stories. What's your favourite inciting incident?

2.5 Making Rewriting Fun

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back! In this episode, the gang chats about collecting other sources of inspiration to help them as they dig deeper into their stories. What do you do? Do you create a soundtrack for your story? Do you have a vision board? Are you extra high-tech and use augmented reality to immerse yourself in the setting?

Let us know!

2.4 Exploding Your Story Ideas

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

In this episode of 5 Writers 5 Minutes, the gang chat about being brave enough to explode parts of your story that may be good... but could be even better! It's never an easy thing to do, and it can be painful, but it's totally worth it when you see what other amazing stories appear from the ashes!

2.3 Dealing With Rejection

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

Today, the gang talks about how they deal with rejection. Remember, friends, all of us go through it so chin up! It'll be okay. 🩷

2.2 Brainstorming A Story

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. Listen in as Deb, Sarah, Lian, Zanni, and Tristan brainstorm a story idea!

If any kids use this inspiration to write their own version, please send it to us! We'd love to see what you come up with.

2.1 Encouraging Your Creative Mind

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. It's so good to return for a second season of writing tips and tricks just for you!

We kick off the season chatting about encouraging our creative minds by always allowing—and celebrating—the silliest ideas that may pop into our brain!

1.20 SEASON FINALE! Our Tip Writing Tips

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to the 5 Writers 5 Minutes podcast!
It's our season finale!

In this last episode, Deb Abela, Tristan Bancks, Sarah Armstrong, Lian Tanner, and Zanni Louise share their top tips on writing stories.

Thank you so much for checking us out! We can't wait to chat to you again next year!

1.19 Between Book Soup

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

In this episode of 5 Writers 5 Minutes, the authors talk about what they do to stay focused on the story they've almost finished, instead of getting distracted with what's next!

1.18 Creating Good Writing Habits

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes.

In this episode, Zanni Louise, Lian Tanner, Deb Abela, Sarah Armstrong, and Tristan Bancks chat about their good writing habits that help them to continually create amazing stories!

1.17 Editing

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In this episode Zanni Louise, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner, and Sarah Armstrong chat about how to write good dialogue that keeps your story moving forward.

1.16 Soggy Middles

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In this episode Zanni Louise, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner, and Sarah Armstrong give you tips on how to keep your readers entertained in the middle of the book!

1.15 Writing Dialogue

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +1100

1.14 Raising the Stakes

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +1100

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 14, Deborah Abela, Lian Tanner, Sarah Armstrong, Tristan Bancks, and Zanni Louise chat about raising the stakes of their characters to keep their readers invested in the story.

1.13 Writing Exciting Scenes

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 13, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise discuss how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat!

1.12 Reading Your Work Aloud

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +1100

In Ep 12, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise talk about how reading your work aloud can help make your sentences flow better!

1.11 Writing the Opening Scene

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +1100

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 11, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise talk about how they write opening scenes that grab the attention of their readers.

1.10 Putting Yourself On the Page

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 10, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise talk about the ways they bring their own emotions and experiences into their stories!

1.9 What to Do with Writer's Block

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 9, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise discuss writer's block and give you some tips and tricks on how to pull yourself out when you get stuck!

1.8 Organising Story Ideas

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 8, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, and Zanni Louise chat about how they go about organising their stories.

Don't forget—this podcast is also a Youtube thingy!

1.7 Developing Characters

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 7, Zanni Louise, Sarah Armstrong, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner, and Deborah Abela talk about how they go about developing their characters.

And don't forget, friends—this podcast episode is also a Youtube thingy!

1.6 Research

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Ep 6, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise talk about how they research to create believable characters and stories.

Don't forget—this podcast is also a Youtube thingy!

1.5 Using Pictures

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +1000

In Ep 5, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise discuss how they use visual inspiration to bring their stories to life.

1.4 Making Trouble

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +1000

In Episode 4 Zanni Louise, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Sarah Armstrong, and Lian Tanner talk about making trouble for their characters!

1.3 Freewriting

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Thanks for joining us for Episode 3!
Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise chat about their personal freewriting techniques.

1.2 How Do You Begin?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In Episode 2, Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise chat about what sparked the ideas for their latest books.

1.1 Introductions

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +1000

Welcome to 5 Writers 5 Minutes!

In this introduction episode Sarah Armstrong, Deborah Abela, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner and Zanni Louise chat about how they came together to start their own writers' group and discuss how feedback helps their work.