Write What Lights You Up (and Other Answers)

*In today’s AMA, I mention Pixar’s Story Spine. It’s just one of their 22 Rules of Storytelling.

Today’s Questions

Here’s a look at today’s Ask Me Anything topics and the approximate video timestamp:

• How do you pick your next project if you have tons of ideas? (1:00)

• Can you talk about how you break down a big idea into an outline? (3:54)

• What were your favourite comics growing up, and what are your favourites now? (8:18)

• Is there a good way to gauge how much backstory to tell for a character? Novel vs short story? (9:38)

• What causes most aspiring writers to quit? Any advice on how to push past it? (11:23)

• Do you prefer coffee or tea while you work? (16:06)

• Any advice regarding key search words with regards to algorithms? (18:14)

• Any advice regarding marketing/networking for those of us on a shoestring budget? (21:06)

• Any advice regarding time management/concentration and avoiding burnout/disillusionment? (23:44)

Paid Subscriber Perks

I want to help writers find harmony in their creative journey. To support as many writers as possible, every subscriber receives the same content.

However, some subscribers have shown that they value my content enough to pay to support my work. Instead of changing how I provide content, I’m rolling out perks for paid subscribers.

I hope to continue to add to the list, but for now, paid subscribers receive:

• Taming Imposter Syndrome ebook (32 pages).

• Quarterly Ask An Editor virtual group sessions.

• Bonus Kickstarter items for each campaign I launch.

• Founding Members also receive a 30-minute, 1-on-1 virtual conference with me.

Although I’ve considered providing perks for the Ask Me Anything sessions, at this time, I don’t plan to limit them in any way.

Bonus Kickstarter Items for ALL Subscribers

I plan to provide multiple bonus digital items for upcoming Kickstarter campaigns for subscribers. My goal is to provide value with these bonus items by providing behind-the-scenes insight.

Although every campaign will be different, for my upcoming launch, I’m planning:

• Free Subscribers—Digital copies of my first (or early) drafts.

• Paid Subscribers—Annotated versions of early drafts (or possibly audio commentaries).

Paid subscribers who buy signed/numbered limited-edition copies can select which copy/number they receive.