Episode 2 ft. Melissa Karibian: Pantsing, Plotting & everything in between

03/07/23 • 45 min

Let’s take a look behind the typewriter of MELISSA KARIBIAN, who helps us understand the differences between pantsing and plotting a novel.

We discuss the different approaches writers take to start their novels, from diving in and discovering their ideas as they go, to planning every minute detail. Mel sheds light on terms like under- and overwriters, and highlights the perks of writing the end of your book first.

Melissa also shares how her writing process has changed through her series from book one, A SONG OF SILVER AND GOLD, to book two, A CHORUS OF ASHES AND SHADOWS.

Mentioned in this interview:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Story Genius by Lisa Crohn

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby

Chelsea Abdullah’s blog post on Reverse Outlines

Scrivener (Software)

Notion (Software)

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @Mel_Karibian and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Let’s take a look behind the typewriter of MELISSA KARIBIAN, who helps us understand the differences between pantsing and plotting a novel.

Melissa also shares how her writing process has changed through her series from book one, A SONG OF SILVER AND GOLD, to book two, A CHORUS OF ASHES AND SHADOWS.

Mentioned in this interview:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Story Genius by Lisa Crohn

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby

Chelsea Abdullah’s blog post on Reverse Outlines

Scrivener (Software)

Notion (Software)

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @Mel_Karibian and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Previous Episode

Episode 1 ft. Jessica Burkhart: Ideas, Inspiration & the story blender in your head

This week, we take a look behind the typewriter of JESSICA BURKHART, as we discuss the first step in the writing process: the idea.

Where do ideas come from? Is every idea able to carry a whole novel? And what’s the difference between ideas and inspiration?

Jess grants us a glimpse into her writing process, talks about her upcoming novel SADDLEHILL ACADEMY and shares some tips on making every idea uniquely your own.

Mentioned in this interview: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Want to stay in the loop? Follow @JessicaBurkhart and @BTTypewriter on Twitter!

Next Episode

Episode 3 ft. Mackenzie Reed: Unlikeable Main Characters & Hot Villains

This week, we’re given the chance to look behind the typewriter of MACKENZIE REED, who talks us through creating compelling characters.

We asked Mackenzie about figuring out who the main character in your story should be, crafting villains that challenge the protagonist (but sometimes they’re hot while doing so), and the friends your protagonist makes along the way.

Mackenzie also shares how she fleshed out the side characters in THE ROSEWOOD HUNT, so they could even be protagonists of their own stories.

Mentioned in this interview:

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy

True Blood by Charlaine Harris

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Mass Effect (game)

Knives Out (movie)