Shows
Founder@50Barbara Basbanes Richter: From French Educator to Storytelling Startup FounderIn this episode Jeremy Toeman sits down with Barbara Basbanes Richter, and they discuss how she…• Turned a Smith and Tufts French degree and a decade of public school teaching into a ghostwriting career• Leveraged her family’s book legacy to launch DIY Book an affordable do it yourself writing platform• Learned to write client voices by mining her own process and creating scaffolded storytelling prompts• Pivoted again to cofound Hello Hans a playful AI driven platform helping kids write share and publish with confidenceYou’ll also hear how joining th...
2025-07-1140 min
Writing for ImmortalityFinding Joy in Your WritingIt's the final episode of season 2! We're reflecting on 19 previous shows dedicated to the craft of writing, plus discussing the pleasures and rewards of writing for joy. Thank you for a great season and we'll see you in season 3!
2025-02-1407 min
Writing for ImmortalityShould You Use a Pseudonym for Your Memoir?Mark Twain. George Sand. Stephen King. George Orwell. Dr. Seuss. J.K. Rowling. Anne Rice. All these authors have at least one thing in common--they all go by (or have gone by) pseudonyms on their bylines. Perhaps you're considering whether to adopt a pen name for your memoir, so should you? Barbara tends to feel that pseudonyms work better for fiction than memoir, but feel free to disagree--listen to this week's episode for her rationale.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Study: On Twitter, false news travels faster than true stories | MIT News | Massachusetts...
2025-02-0612 min
Writing for ImmortalityVulnerability As The Heartbeat of InspirationWhy do memoir writers need to get vulnerable? And how do you actually do it without oversharing?
In this episode, we explore why vulnerability is the key to powerful memoir writing. Drawing wisdom from Brené Brown, Mary Karr, Joan Didion, and examples from Selma Blair's powerful memoir Mean Baby, we break down how to transform your challenging experiences into compelling narrative.
You'll learn:• Why vulnerability creates instant connection with readers• The difference between raw and crafted vulnerability• Practical techniques to write difficult scenes• How to balance emotional truth with pers...
2025-01-3025 min
Writing for ImmortalityWrite When? The Surprising Science of Creative TimingShould you write at dawn (and standing) like Hemingway or burn the midnight oil like Kafka? Science has some unexpected answers. In this episode, we explore the fascinating research behind creative timing and why your "off-peak" hours might be your creative sweet spot. From brain science to practical routines, discover why the best time to write isn't what you might think - and how to find a schedule that actually works for your life.
Episode highlights:• The truth about willpower and creative thinking• Why being tired might boost your creativity• How modern life affects writin...
2025-01-2421 min
Writing for ImmortalityOvercoming Quitters Day: Strategies for Memoir-Writing SuccessGetting Your Memoir Writing Resolution Back on Track
Why do so many people abandon their New Year's resolution to write their life story? In this episode, Barbara explores the science behind habit formation and how to apply it specifically to memoir writing. Drawing from behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's research on habit formation, we break down the key barriers that stop aspiring memoirists—and provide concrete solutions to overcome them.
Episode Highlights:
Why the second Friday of January is known as "Quitter's Day"
The "What the Hell Effect" and how it derails memoir writers
Why ri...
2025-01-1623 min
Writing for ImmortalityWhy Your Memoir Isn't Working and How to Fix It with Wendy DaleHappy 2025! We're back with a great episode about memoir writing and how to make your memoir more enjoyable to read and to write.
Yes, it's possible. In this episode of Writing for Immortality, Barbara sits down with Wendy Dale, author of Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and former Media Bistro memoir writing instructor. After teaching hundreds of writers how to structure their life stories, Wendy knows exactly where most memoirs go wrong and how to fix them. In her new book, The Memoir Engineering System (available January 11, reserve your copy at the link below) she...
2025-01-0944 min
Writing for ImmortalityHappy Holidays!No episode today! Just wanted to say Happy Holidays and that Writing for Immortality will be back in January with all new episodes!
2024-12-1800 min
Writing for ImmortalityYour Book Means Business! With Honoree Corder and Kent SandersJoin host Barbara as she sits down with bestselling author Honoree Corder and ghostwriter Kent Sanders to discuss their new book "Your Book Means Business." Learn why business professionals need a book, what makes a truly exceptional business book, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the book creation process. With millions of books sold between them, these experts share insider tips on creating a "bespoke book" that can transform your business and career.
Find Honoree at: https://honoreecorder.com/
Find Kent here: https://www.kentsanders.net/
Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Guest...
2024-12-1252 min
Writing for ImmortalityThe Evolution of Storytelling: From Movies to AI with Jeremy ToemanJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Jeremy Toeman, CEO of AugX Labs and creator of Augie Studio, as we explore how storytelling has transformed in the digital age. From his early days working in a video store to revolutionizing TV viewing with Slingbox, Toeman shares insights on the shifting landscape of media consumption and content creation.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
How short-form content is reshaping narrative structures
The role of AI in democratizing video creation
Balancing technology with the human element in storytelling
The future of digital legacy and content preservation
Making...
2024-12-0441 min
Writing for ImmortalityTurning Back Time on Cher's New Memoir: Too Many Ghosts?
What happens when pop icon Cher's memoir needs three different ghostwriters to tell her story? This episode uncovers the fascinating world of celebrity memoirs and ghostwriting, revealing how one of music's most distinctive voices got lost in translation.
From variety show star to Oscar winner to Auto-Tune pioneer, Cher's lived enough lives for ten memoirs—so why does her actual memoir fall flat? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when too many ghosts haunt one book.
#WritingPodcast #Cher #Ghostwriter #CelebrityMemoir #Writing4Immortality
2024-11-2708 min
Writing for ImmortalityThe Evolution of Fiction and Publishing with editor Lou AronicaFrom his early days at Bantam Books to co-founding The Story Plant, Lou Aronica has shaped publishing for over four decades. In this candid conversation, the veteran publisher, editor, and bestselling author shares what makes a manuscript stand out and how to succeed in today's publishing world. Drawing from his experience with both literary giants and emerging voices, Lou offers practical wisdom for writers at every stage—from crafting that first query letter to building a lasting connection with readers. Whether you're considering traditional publishing or exploring independent routes, you'll get honest advice from one of the industry's most re...
2024-11-2153 min
Writing for ImmortalityBeverly Hills Magic: A Conversation with Author Elaine FranklinThey say laughter is the best medicine, and when author Elaine Franklin found the news of the day to grim to bear, she found the antidote in writing fiction. The result of her efforts, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," is a frothy balm for readers looking for escapism with a little dose of social commentary.
Barbara and Elaine discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of humor in writing, character development, and the editing process. The conversation also touches on the evolving perceptions of aging and the importance of representation in literature.
2024-11-1420 min
Writing for ImmortalityBeyond NaNoWriMo: Smart Writing Strategies for Every Author"There's no such thing as a boring life story if you tell it well," says Barbara as she explores major publishing trends from the Frankfurt Book Fair, shares powerful writing strategies, and reveals the effective alternatives to NaNoWriMo. From breaking news about AI in publishing to proven memoir writing techniques, this episode equips you with tools to move your writing project forward. Learn how the publishing landscape is evolving, find solutions to common writing roadblocks, and tap into thriving writing communities that will support your creative journey. Ready to transform your story from idea to finished manuscript? This episode...
2024-11-0724 min
Writing for ImmortalityWriting SpookyIt's Halloween, and today's show is all about the ways we can write scary. Specifically:
What builds tension in a piece of writing?
How can you subvert reader expectations?
What's at stake?
This episode explores only a portion of what it takes to write scary scenes, but hopefully it will get you thinking about how to craft content that's truly frightful. Plus, a review of a new book, a book club announcement, and a bookish activity for those of you not heading out to trick-or-treat.
Links to topics mentioned...
2024-10-3121 min
Writing for ImmortalityBanish Writer's BlockWriter's Block: Is it real, or is it all in the mind? Is it just an excuse to avoid work and only afflicts hobby-writers? Whether you think it's real or not, we've all faced our writing and dreaded it, whatever the reason may be. This episode explores what writers can do when they'd rather pick sand out of dirt than type ten words.
Please be kind, remember to subscribe to the show so you never miss another episode. Plus, subscribing is a zero-cost way to show your love for the pod. Thank you!
2024-10-2433 min
Writing for ImmortalityBook Proposals that Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success with Terry WhalinTerry's back!
Morgan James acquisitions editor Terry Whalin returns to the podcast in this latest episode to talk about "Book Proposals That $ell: 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success."
Terry, who previously appeared in Season 1 to discuss his book "10 Publishing Myths" (linked below), lays out exactly what authors need to do in order to sell their books to agents and publishing houses.
In this eye-opening conversation, Terry reveals:
• Why your book proposal is "essentially your business plan"
• The importance of finding "your little tribe or your readers"
• Why you "h...
2024-10-1742 min
Writing for ImmortalityLegal Challenges and AI: A Crash Course for Writers, with Star KashmanBuckle up for a journey through the intersection of writing, technology, and law with cybersecurity expert Star Kashman. In this episode we plunge into the digital minefield that modern writers must navigate, exploring everything from copyright conundrums to the AI authorship revolution. It’s going to get bumpy!
Star Kashman, a legal maverick in the world of cybersecurity, shares her unconventional path into this cutting-edge field, highlights the pressing need for tech-savvy lawmakers, and explains the complex network of copyright issues in the age of artificial intelligence.
But don't despair, wordsmiths! The challenges may be da...
2024-10-1047 min
Writing for ImmortalityOut in the World: An LGBTQIA+ Travel GuideTravel books help us imagine ourselves in new places, but until recently, most books didn't offer specific travel guidance for LGBTQIA+ travelers beyond what felt like the compulsory section on nightlife and local safety concerns. And regardless of sexuality, not everyone wants to go to a rave at 2am--some travelers would much rather go antiquing. With 120 destinations, OUT IN THE WORLD
https://tinyurl.com/3znkampe is an impressive assemblage of places to go and things to do for everyone from birdwatchers to bibliophiles. (Attention book lovers: the authors managed to find what feels like every remaining local bookstore on...
2024-10-0339 min
Writing for ImmortalityCreate Bingeworthy Content! with Krystal ProfittGet out the popcorn because this show is a binge. Snacky, even. Either way, you won't regret indulging in this episode because every minute is a golden nugget of goodness! Here's why: Some people are born storytellers, others need to find the right medium first. But we all have stories to share, and Krystal Proffitt--Podcast Coach, Content Strategist, and host of the award-winning show The Proffitt Podcast--specializes in helping content creators create with confidence and has published over 1,300 podcast episodes, so she knows what it takes to keep creating year after year.
Krystal teaches content strategy, repurposing...
2024-09-2638 min
Writing for ImmortalityDispatches from an abrupt ravine: A conversation with the poet Rodney LeonardWe're kicking off Season 2 of Writing for Immortality the extraordinary poet Rodney Leonard.
Rodney Leonard's poetic journey is as vibrant and multifaceted as his verses. From the rich soil of Alabama to the bustling streets of New York, Leonard's life experiences have shaped his voice in the world of poetry.
Growing up surrounded by strong women, Leonard's work resonates with the echoes of his mother and grandmother's influence. Their stories, woven into the fabric of his childhood, now form the backbone of his artistic expression.
But Leonard's muse isn't confined to his roots...
2024-09-1951 min
Writing for ImmortalityDebunking Publishing Myths with Terry Whalin📚✨ We're ending SEASON 1 with a fabulous show!
🖋️ Aspiring author?
📖 Seasoned writer?
🤔 Confused about publishing?
Terry Whalin, author of '10 Publishing Myths' and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, joins us on this episode of Writing for Immortality to demystify the publishing world!
This publishing veteran takes us on a journey through:
🚀 His personal wake-up call in book marketing
🏗️ Building a powerful author platform
📧 The surprising power of email lists
Don't miss this game-changing conversation with one of publishing's most accessible experts!
2024-08-0847 min
Writing for ImmortalityThe Mysterious Bonds of Sisterhood: A Conversation with "Bear" Author Julia PhillipsIn this episode of Writing for Immortality, meet Julia Phillips, the acclaimed author of Bear and National Book Award finalist Disappearing Earth.
I interview Julia about Bear and we also talk about the exploration of the sisterly bond, about the setting of the book on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, and the dynamics that play out between locals and tourists. The conversation shifts to the blinding effects of enchantment and mysticism, as well as the writing process and the joy (yes, the joy!) of revision. Crafting atmosphere, character-driven fiction while weaving complex themes into compelling...
2024-08-0138 min
Writing for ImmortalityBarry Moser: A Conversation with An American MasterTo paraphrase my old man, Barry Moser remains one of the most important book illustrators working in America today. I had the tremendous honor of taking a class with Barry when I was an undergraduate at Smith College, and in the intervening years had the privilege of interviewing him for various projects including his work on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Barry continues to innovate with wood engraving, a technique he says can be learned in an hour but requires a lifetime to master. Whether writing or...
2024-07-2541 min
Writing for ImmortalityWhat to Do When Nobody Wants to Read Your WritingEveryone wants to read writers' stuff...right?
RIGHT???
Wrong.
Well...it's complicated. Truth is, this episode's catchy title is really about what writers can do to make their writing more interesting. Using Steven Pressfield's 2016 book, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t: And Other Tough-Love Truths to Make You a Better Writer https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Wants-Read-Your-Tough-Love/dp/1936891492 Barbara talks about what every reader should have in mind when they're crafting their prose so that the next time they ask someone to read their work, they'll be met with an enthusiastic "You betcha!"
C...
2024-07-1808 min
Writing for ImmortalityTodd Fredson: Preserving and Sharing African Literature- The Role of TranslatorsPoetry in West Africa is often part of a vibrant oral tradition that blurs genre boundaries as Barbara discusses in this episode with Todd Fredson, whose translation of Ivorian Coast poet Azo Vauguy's Zakwato & Loglêdou’s Peril was a finalist for the 2023 National Book Critics Circle Award.
They discuss Todd's journey into translation, his experiences in West Africa, and the themes and challenges of translating oral traditions and the importance of preserving and sharing African literature.
Todd's insights into the cultural and historical context of the poems and the impact of colonial legacies highlights the...
2024-07-1150 min
Invest In Her with Catherine GrayCatherine Gray/Why Entrepreneurs Should Write a Book- With Barbara Basbanes Richter Ep.398Catherine Gray, the host of Invest In Her, interviews Barbara Basbanes Richter is a dynamic storyteller and entrepreneur. As the host of the podcast "Writing for Immortality" and founder of DIYBook and In Ink Ghostwriting, Barbara breathes life into words, helping people write their stories with clarity and confidence. Barbara holds a BA and MA in French Language and Literature from Smith College and Tufts University. She is a founding member of the Ticknor Society, a voting member of the National Book Critics Circle, and a member of the Grolier Club, the country’s oldest bib...
2024-07-1023 min
Writing for ImmortalityUnderstanding Barbie, Understanding OurselvesBarbie becomes a real woman in Greta Gerwig’s summer 2023 blockbuster. Barbie’s journey continues in consultation with a therapist in Dr. Karyne Messina’s latest and bestselling book, "Barbie and the Great American Identity Crisis." In this podcast episode, Dr. Messina explores the complex world of identity using Barbie as a mechanism to understand the American identity crisis, stolen identities, and the impact of Barbie's unattainable beauty standards on self-confidence. Tune in as Dr. Messina discuss psychoanalysis, patriarchy, and community healing while highlighting the importance of critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional living. An insightful discussion that challenges conventional norms...
2024-07-0450 min
Writing for ImmortalityDog Days! The Heatwave EditionWhat do you do when it's hotter than Hades and you've got a book to write? Barbara's got you covered in this week's episode. Speaking of heat, what do you do when you're feeling burnt out by your writing project? How do you keep going when life gets in your way? Barbara offers suggestions on how to tame the flames and soothe the burn. Plus, she shares a review of Broadway's musical The Great Gatsby and why we're seeing this adaptation of the classic novel now as well as a discussion of curse words in the English language (and...
2024-06-2726 min
Writing for ImmortalityWriting, Publishing, and Instant Gratification: The Methodology of Susan ShapiroBookmark this episode because you'll keep coming back for refreshers. Joining Barbara today is Susan Shapiro, an author whose wit and candor have given life to eighteen books—titles like "The Byline Bible" and "Unhooked" that might already grace your bookshelves--as well as hundreds of op-eds in major outlets from the New York Times to Oprah.com
Susan channels her expertise into teaching, where she guides burgeoning writers through the intricate process of publishing and beyond.
We’ll also explore Susan's journey from a self-described black sheep in a conservative Midwestern family to a central figu...
2024-06-2055 min
Writing for ImmortalityFrom Music to Manuscripts: Kent Sander's Ghostwriting Journey"Ghostwriting is very much a service-oriented profession. There's a reason why our names are not on the covers of books most of the time. It's not our book; it's the author's book, and it's their platform." Ghostwriters are the hired hands that guide an author's prose to the printed page, helping the author get that much closer to achieving immortality.
But where do ghosts come from? How does someone decide to join this profession? In this episode, Barbara talks to fellow ghostwriter Kent Sanders about his journey into ghostwriting and the challenges and rewards...
2024-06-1345 min
Moments with MarianneDIYBook with Barbara Basbanes RichterHave you always wanted to write a book but didn’t know where to start? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Barbara Basbanes Richter on her French to English translation Mademoiselle de Malepeire by Fanny Reybaud, and her work DIYBook and In Ink Ghostwriting.Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate. Barbara Basbanes Richter is an accomplished author, public speaker, French-to-English translator, podcast host of Writing for Immortality, and founder of DIYBook and In Ink Ghostwriting. Raised in a home steeped in...
2024-06-1336 min
Writing for ImmortalityIt's All About PerspectiveDiscover how shifting viewpoints can turn simple stories into captivating journeys. Ready to see your narrative in a whole new light? Don't miss it—tune in and transform your writing! 🌟📚
Previous episodes mentioned:
Dr. Jenelle Kim: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vff3fOud1p740v8G5VeNM?si=c349b3e7e19c45e0
Carlin Romano:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TZ3zOwOqgaoUoicIIVQPn?si=a837a2ec706840ef
Make sure you never miss an episode--subscribe!
Want to finally write your life story?
Visit https://www.diybook...
2024-06-0625 min
Writing for ImmortalityMyung Sung: The Korean Art of Living MeditationEver think that you'd like to incorporate meditation into your life but have no idea how? This episode's got you covered as Barbara speaks with Dr. Jenelle Kim,
Founder @jbkwellnesslabs, a devoted wellness expert, podcast host, and acclaimed author of Myung Sung: The Korean Art of Living Meditation. Dr. Kim shares her profound insights on integrating ancient Eastern medical wisdom with modern Western practices to enhance our lives. She explores the philosophy of active meditation and its potent impact on achieving balance and happiness.
Tune in as Dr. Kim opens up about her personal journey, how her u...
2024-05-3055 min
Writing for ImmortalityStories of the Fallen: Memorial Day 2024Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to summer. It's also a day to remember those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to keep our country safe. Barbara discusses the origins of Memorial Day, why veterans might want to record their own stories, and recommends some books, with some by folks who'll be guests on future episodes!
War memoirs:
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-General-William-Tecumseh-Classics/dp/0140437983
With The Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, Eugene Sledge
https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-General-William-Tecumseh-Classics/dp/0140437983
...
2024-05-2313 min
Writing for ImmortalityCarlin Romano: Beyond Criticism - Philosophy, Culture, and the Future of ThoughtIn this episode, Barbara talks to Carlin Romano, a renowned critic and champion of intellectual discourse. Romano, a former critic-at-large for the Chronicle of Higher Education and the Philadelphia Inquirer and current critic-at-large for Moment Magazine, offers his sharp insights on the decline of critical thinking in book reviews and the state of literary criticism in America. He laments the shift towards praise and publicity, arguing for the importance of tough critique.
But Romano's intellectual journey extends far beyond literature. He passionately defends his provocative thesis: America, with its diverse perspectives, free expression, and abundance of philosophical...
2024-05-161h 00
Writing for ImmortalityLearning from Visual StorytellersWriters can learn a lot about structuring a narrative from visual storytellers, and that's what Barbara explores in this episode of Writing for Immortality. She visited the Schoelkopf Gallery this spring to see "Enter Andrew Wyeth," a rare look at 25 works from 1939 to 1994 that examine the emotional resonance of Wyeth's work during his marriage to his wife, Betsy. Wyeth's paintings are in permanent collections in most major American museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
The exhibition also provides unprecedented access to Andrew Wyeth’s un...
2024-05-0915 min
Writing for ImmortalityAll About Audiobooks with Brett Barry!Today's guest is Brett Barry, a 20+ year veteran of the audiobooks industry. Voiceover artist, educator, and audiobook producer Brett has an ear for books.
Ready for some stats? In 2021, nearly 50% of the US population listened to at least one audiobook. Readers listen in their cars, at home, and on vacation, and all those books add up to an industry that generated $1.6 billion in the US and $4.22 billion globally. Audiobooks are big business and should be part of every author's calculus for publication and distribution.
Barbara and Brett talk about what goes into...
2024-05-0248 min
Writing for ImmortalitySweat Like a Mother with Brook Benten!We can't bottle Brook Benten's energy, but speaking to her sure comes close! This was a high-octane episode that combines Barbara's favorite topics: running (and exercise writ large), and storytelling.
Just like with writing, you've got to earn your sweat. Brook Benten, author of Sweat, discusses her professional and personal experiences that led to this book. Part memoir and part exercise guide, Sweat targets women and moms who are looking to reclaim a more authentic life balance.
Brook Benten is a GIANT in the fitness industry: since trading in her twirling batons for step boxes, Benten has...
2024-04-2557 min
Writing for ImmortalityApril Smörgåsbord!This week's cover art photo is baby Barbara, circa 1999 working down in the basement stacks. Listen to the episode--it'll make sense. Barbara answers a listener's question on interviewing family members for a life story book and shares her experience interviewing her grandfather. She also shares her thoughts on the significance of preserving family history, recommends books she recently read, and talks about a great new exhibit at the Hispanic Society--go to Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/writing4immortality/
to see pictures from the installation!
**LINKS TO BOOKS AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE**
2024-04-1844 min
Writing for ImmortalityFrom Stage to Page: A Publicist's Tale in Poetry and Rock 'n' RollWe've got ANOTHER great episode for you today! Amanda Samoyloff, founder of Samoyloff PR, shares her journey into the world of public relations and branding. After getting her start promoting rock bands, Amanda launched her firm in 2017 and hasn't looked back, infusing her work with just the right touch of rock and roll swagger. Amanda emphasizes the importance of purposeful storytelling and understanding the client's brand and mission. She also discusses the challenges of PR in a changing media landscape and the need for a collaborative approach between marketing and PR.
So come on...
2024-04-1152 min
Writing for ImmortalityUsing ChatGPT to Write Your Life StorySummary
In this episode, Barbara discusses whether ChatGPT and similar large language model programs can help people write their life stories. She explains that ChatGPT cannot generate a complete life story because it lacks personal knowledge and cannot retrieve specific information from the internet. However, it can be a helpful tool for generating paragraphs and overcoming writer's block. The quality of the output depends on the quality of the input data. Barbara suggests using Chat GPT as a starting point and then revising and editing the generated text to reflect one's own voice and...
2024-04-0411 min
Writing for ImmortalityThe Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: A Conversation with Author Rebecca Rego BarryIn this episode, Barbara Basbanes Richter interviews Rebecca Rego Barry about her book, The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells. Carolyn Wells was a mystery author in the early 20th century who has been largely forgotten today. Rebecca discusses Carolyn's life and career, from her late start as a writer to her success in various genres, including poetry, short stories, puzzles, and children's books. Rebecca also explores the challenges of researching Carolyn's life due to the lack of a central archive and the dispersal of her estate after her death.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:58...
2024-03-281h 01
Writing for ImmortalityHidden Hands: Presidential GhostwritersIn this episode, Barbara discusses ghostwriting and the recent controversy surrounding President Biden's ghostwriter, Mark Zwanitzer. Barbara also highlights the long history of ghostwriters working with presidents and the importance of confidentiality in the ghostwriting relationship. She provides tips for finding a reliable ghostwriter, including researching their track record, asking about confidentiality provisions, and understanding their fee structure. Barbara concludes the episode by giving a writing exercise to improve storytelling abilities.
Want to work with Barbara? Book a free 30-minute consultation here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Ghostwriters coming out of...
2024-03-2115 min
Writing for ImmortalityTelling stories with images: A chat with Picsello founder Jane GoodrichIn today's episode, Barbara talks to Jane Goodrich, a photographer and founder of the Picsello platform that helps photographers build and sustain their businesses. They talk about how she got started, what led her to Picsello, how she believes that anyone can take a good photograph, and the importance of telling a great story through imagery. Stick around until the end when Jane and Barbara talk about AI and how it's changing the photography industry and human creativity.
About Jane Goodrich:
Jane Goodrich is an accomplished newborn and family photographer, an expert in the photography...
2024-03-1454 minWriting for ImmortalityFinding your written voiceIn this episode, Barbara explores the art of writing your life story and finding your voice. She emphasizes the importance of building a working library and using style guides to improve writing accuracy and efficiency. Barbara discusses the limitations of generative AI in writing and the need for writers to develop their own unique voice. She explains the characteristics of written voice and the differences between written and spoken voice. Barbara provides tips for developing a written voice, including reading widely, writing regularly, and experimenting with tone and style. She concludes with a writing challenge to eliminate weak words...
2024-03-0729 minWriting for ImmortalityReflections of a lifetimeRetired nurse Nancy Belouin joins Barbara to talk about writing her life story as a legacy for her children and why she's already at work writing her second life story book.
Nancy used DIYBook to write her life story, where the prompts help writers reminisce about their past and engage in personal reflection. The online writing platform is easy to use and has tips to help writers like Nancy start and complete a rewarding and fulfilling project.
Notes:
🙌 Nancy is an 80-year-old widow who decided to write her...
2024-02-2921 min
Writing for ImmortalitySetting Up for Success: Starting Your Life StoryDo you think the first step to writing a life story is...writing? If so, you're in for a surprise. In this episode of the Writing for Immortality podcast, Barbara explores the topic of writing a life story book and tells us that getting started doesn't mean sitting down to write--at least, not right away. Barbara emphasizes preserving personal experiences and capturing narratives for future generations. She also discusses the time commitment required for writing a book and advises listeners to set realistic goals. (A book in six months? Maybe. A book in 6 days? Probably not.) Then, she gets...
2024-01-2521 minWriting for ImmortalityWriting for Immortality"Writing for Immortality" is for writers ready to start and finish their books as well as those who simply love good writing. We'll discuss the world of book creation, with each episode unlocking the secrets of transforming an idea into a masterpiece.
Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of a writer’s journey, offering insider advice and strategies for every stage of the writing process. Our guests include authors, artists, PR professionals, and literary agents who will share their tips and tricks to help you write something that stands the test of time.
...
2024-01-2000 min