Shows
CollaborcastThe Importance of Helping Others Find Their Voice with special guest Anita MummEditor and teacher Anita Mumm joins us on the podcast to talk about the importance of story and helping others find their voice. She discusses her work teaching creative writing to incarcerated populations.
For more about Anita, please visit www.anitamumm.com
#writingadvice #writingcommunity #inmateprograms #colorado
2025-08-0447 minCollaborcastFree 25 Page Editing Offer (this is a public service announcement)How would you like free feedback on 25 pages of your work in progress?
Intern Maddy is back with us this summer and she is looking for more hands on editorial work.
Jason and Ben will work with her to read your material and provide you with marked up pages, editorial notes, and maybe (situation dependent) a phone call to discuss.
No tricks. No hooks. No gimmicks. We're just trying to help the next generation of the editorial world get real world experience.
Thanks, Collaborist!
2025-06-0600 minCollaborcastAnother Approach to Memoir with special guest Madelyn PostmanOn this episode of Collaborcast Jason and Ben speak with author Madelyn Postman about writing memoir, understanding identity, and how short form can provide insight.
2024-12-1652 minCollaborcastWe're Back! Jason's Got a Book Deal! Tsunami Alerts! And! More!Hi Collaborist -
Sorry we've been gone for a bit. It's been busier than a third shift at the pillow factory, but here we are! On this episode of Collaborcast, Jason tells us about his book deal for his new novel, we discuss understanding story and the distances it sometimes takes, Jason gets a tsunami alert on air, and Ben makes an offer to YOU about volunteering in your community in exchange for editing/writing/coaching from Ben.
Listen up and Happy Holidays, Collaborist.
#writing #editing #novel #memoir #bookdeal #tsunami #volunteering #volunteer
2024-12-0637 minCollaborcastHow to Get Into Publishing (one story)Hey Collaborist!
On this week's episode of Collaborcast, Maddy and Ben dive in to the publishing world, and how Ben entered the publishing world. We talk about Ben's story of hard-work, motivation, and luck. We also discuss the logistics and roles that are necessary in the publishing world. From Ben's eventful career, he has one major takeaway to share with Collaborist: No matter the path we all take, it is the connections and impacts we make along the way that matter the most.
Ben LeRoy began his publishing career in the early 2000s as the...
2024-08-1157 minCollaborcastHow to Get a Literary Agent in 2024Hi Collaborist! On this week's episode of Collaborcast we talk to literary agent, Joanna MacKenzie! We dive in to the publishing market today, and how it has changed since the pandemic. We also discuss self-publishing, and how this could be a wrong way to go for most authors. Make sure to stick around for Joanna's "Do's and Dont's" of query letters. Joanna also gives us insight in to how her love and studies of movies have translated over to the literary world!
From Joanna, "I owe my love of books to the librarian of my childhood bookmobile...
2024-06-1057 minCollaborcastCollaborcast with Emily KrempholtzHi Collaborist!
This week on Collaborcast we interview Emily Krempholtz. Emily is an esteemed editor, book coach, and hopefully, soon-to-be-published author! We dive into her new book and what got her, and America, into the booming cozy fantasy genre. We also discuss how to query agents, BookTok, Romantasy, and how the woman author is the major voice behind the Romantasy genre. Emily talks us through all the highs and lows of her current publishing journey, and how she persevered through it all. This is an episode you can’t miss!
Emily Krempholtz is a writer, ed...
2024-06-0357 minCollaborcastWriting Mystery Fiction - with guest John RitterHi Collaborist! On this episode of Collaborcast, we sit down with John Ritter! We dive in to how he navigated the cliches of the private investigator genre, while writing "Fatal Conceit". Ritter also fills us in on how he was able to have such a diverse amount of environments in his book, while making them all rich with detail. Finally, John Ritter gives us some recent updates on his new book!
From small-town Midwest roots, John Ritter bounced around America growing up—Kentucky, Texas, Wyoming, Southern California. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kans...
2024-05-2742 minCollaborcastWhat to Say and Not Say in Your Memoir (We are NOT Lawyers)Hi Collaborist!
Thinking about writing a memoir? Have some things you really want to say, but worry you might get in trouble for it? Whose story is it anyway? We go over some things to keep in mind as you tell the story of your life and the people who have made guest appearances.
2024-02-1631 minCollaborcastWriting Memoir with Meg KissingerHey Collaborist! On this episode of Collaborcast we're joined by journalist and author Meg Kissinger. She talks about what went into writing her memoir While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. We discuss not only the craft of writing memoir, but also the profound mental work that is required of us when telling stories about our own lives and the lives of those closest to us.
Join Jason, Katelyn, and Ben as they welcome Meg Kissinger to Collaborcast!
ABOUT MEG KISSINGER - Meg Kissinger spent...
2024-02-0247 minCollaborcastDoes Memoir Need to be Factually Accurate?Hey Collaborist -
Have you ever read a memoir and wondered how much of it was true and how much of it was "true?" On this episode of Collaborcast we discuss reader expectations and author intentions in the matter of retelling the story of a lived life. Is truth important in memoir? Is it possible to be 100% accurate with an unreliable memory? Does it matter?
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of migration, borderlands, heritage, and the sometimes hidden stories th...
2023-12-1533 minCollaborcastMemoir vs. Autobiography - Here's the Difference!Hey Collaborist - Are you wanting to tell your life story, or, at the very least, part of it? Well, we have an episode for you. Jason has put on his fanciest college professor gear to explain the difference between a memoir and an autobiography!
2023-12-0736 minCollaborcastWhat is an MFA in Creative Writing (with guest Jennifer Reimer)Hey Collaborist, do you ever find yourself asking just exactly what is an MFA in Creative Writing and what can you do with it? You're not the only one. On this episode of Collaborcast, we talk with Jennifer Reimer, the Program Director of the Low Residency MFA program at Oregon State University Cascades Campus. What can you get out of an MFA for your education? For your writing community? What to look for in terms of expenses and environments.
We've had multiple people email us in the past asking -- What is an MFA in Creative Writing...
2023-11-0135 minCollaborcastWrite What You KnowWe've all been handed the advice "Write What You Know" at one point or another on your writing journey. But what does that mean? How will people know if we're writing outside of that?
Good questions. We'll address them and others like, "What does it mean in today's publishing environment?" Experience or research? Both? What are the pitfalls that might expose us? Does it matter? Are different genres equipped with different rules?
All that and more on this episode of Collaborcast with hosts Jason Buchholz and Ben LeRoy.
Thanks to Katelyn Ferral for...
2023-10-0341 minCollaborcastHow to Take CriticismHey Collaborist –
Ever find yourself wondering how to take criticism when people give you feedback on your work? In this episode of Collaborcast we talk about some of the emotional things that might pop up, how to process them, and how to get the most out of reader opinions. Whether you're meeting with your local writers’ group or knee deep in an MFA program, part of the process is handing over the precious work you've been doing for months or years so it can be judged by others. Is that scary? Hell yes, it is. Should it stop...
2023-09-2726 minCollaborcastMessage to a New Writer #1Hey Collaborist -
Ben's been hanging out on Reddit (r/writing) and noticed A LOT of young writers who have unrealistic expectations for their lives and their writing in the moment. What would young Jason and young Ben say to themselves when they started writing decades ago? Guess you'll have to tune in to find out.
Big thanks to Katelyn for joining the Collaborcast crew as a producer. This podcast is about to get really good, gang.
#writingadvice #writingtips #newwriter #writingcommunity #howtowrite
2023-09-2039 minCollaborcastLet's Talk About Editing, Ghostwriting, Book Doctoring, Proofreading, and other Things!Hey Collaborist. Welcome to Season Two of Collaborcast. It's wonderful to see you, please excuse the dust. On this episode of the podcast we'll be talking about reading Cormac McCarthy, Barry Lopez, and Philip K. Dick. We'll also discuss what we do and don't do as coaches, editors, ghostwriters, and book doctors. #publishing #writing #writingadvice #editing #editingadvice #cormacmccarthy #barrylopez #philipkdick #bloodmeridian #valistentertainment
2023-09-1447 minCollaborcastCollaborcast IntermissionHey Collaborist!
We've got a super brief episode to let you know that we've been collecting new equipment, recording techniques, and ideas for the podcast. However, if YOU didn't know that, you might think some terrible fate had befallen us because we have been quiet for a bit and the last time you listened to us, Ben was...under the weather.
BUT! We're coming back in July with season two (arbitrarily decided upon) of Collaborcast and it will feature special guests from the writing and publishing worlds! But not in interviews that go on too...
2023-06-1310 min
The Zev ProjectThe Magic and Miracle of Storytelling - An Interview with Ben LeRoyThis week's episode features Ben LeRoy, the founder and former publisher of two successful publishing houses, and one of the founding team members of Collaborist, a group and company dedicated to bringing people together and helping them tell their stories in a variety of ways. At Collaborist, Ben works to help people feel heard, create community, and forge meaningful relationships with nonprofits. He and his co-founder also host a weekly podcast called Collaborcast, where they talk shop bout all things writing, share personal and helpful anectdotes, and come up with incredible metal band names by way of talking about...
2023-05-181h 10CollaborcastNot Really Sure What This Episode is AboutHey Collaborist - the good news is, by the time you start this episode, it'll almost be over. We talk about back cover descriptions and the importance of finding the sweetspot between book report and teaser. And then the Covid gets Ben and ... zzz.
2023-04-1919 minCollaborcastWriters! Let's Dive into the Subconscious End of the Pool!Hey Collaborist - ever find yourself stuck in your book?
Don't know how to get your character from Point A to Point B? Confused about your setting? Trying to figure out the emotional tone of where you are in the book?
Sometimes we try to force ourselves over the hurdle, but it doesn't always work. We often say on the podcast that "Writing isn't simply typing." Is it possible that writing is...painting? Ben talks about his recent experience collaborating with authors at the Wellstone Center in the Redwoods to see if there isn't a...
2023-04-1329 minCollaborcastChekhov's Gun and Ben Finally Gets his EarthquakeHey Collaborist - You know how we've already discussed techniques for being disciplined about description in your work? Well, we had an idea for this episode that talks about it again and we also bring up the oft mentioned "Chekov's Rifle." Here is the intersection of description and foreshadowing and we are waiting on the corner to discuss it with you.
Ben is in California for this episode at the Wellstone Center in the Redwoods where he experienced his first earthquake.
Come on Gang! Let's chit chat, Collaborist!
2023-04-0732 minCollaborcastAt Last! The AWP recap episodeHello! Please pardon the absence, we're back (finally!) from AWP. Thank you to everybody we met and who agreed to join us on the podcast. As a heads up, because we were recording this on the fly in a venue with lots of people and no control of the environment, the audio quality is...not going to win a Grammy. Apologies in advance. What it may lack in clearness, it more than makes up in earnestness.
We'll be back next week with a regularly scheduled episode and hope to see you there!
2023-03-261h 00CollaborcastOpening Pages and Why They WorkHey Collaborist - on today's episode we take a look at some opening pages and why they work as an effective beginning ot a book.
2023-02-2348 minCollaborcastHow to Incorporate Backstory Without Slowing Down the PaceDo you find yourself driving down the writing highway only to slam on the brakes to incorporate backstory?
Hey Collaborist - are you unsure how to get critical details into your characters' pasts without slowing down the pace of your book? You're not alone. It's important to keep in mind that you--as the author--should know a lot more about the people populating your book than the reader, much of that knowledge won't ever be directly shared with the reader. And that's okay.
Here are some things to think about when trying to decide what to...
2023-02-1542 minCollaborcastPacing, Physiology, and Museum CurationPacing is a key component in how well a book holds a reader's attention. It doesn't always have to be a million miles an hour with big car chases and explosions. In fact, maybe the more you add, the less they mean. So maybe don't add so many.
We also talk about dramatic tension--how to keep the reader's cortisol and dopamine invested in each page.
Lastly, hey Moot--it's a murder car!
2023-02-0851 minCollaborcastUnderstanding Book Contracts and Subsidiary RightsYou've been dreaming of the day when understanding book contracts and subsidiary rights is the most important thing in the world. Well, we share that dream with you and here's a primer.
Hey Collaborist - we recognize that the world around book contracts is often mysterious and getting information about them is only as good as the source (and there are a lot! and they aren't always good!). We got a question about how it all works in practice and on this episode of Collaborcast, Ben talks about general terms, what they mean, how to understand them...
2023-02-0139 minCollaborcastUnderstanding Your CharactersOn this week's episode of Collaborcast we talk about the importance of Understanding Your Characters.
Hey Collaborist - you spend hours with them on the page and in your head, but how well do you know your characters?
How do you introduce yourself? Do you ask them questions? Do they give you answers? How real our characters feel is a critical component of how readers connect with them and with the larger story we're telling. Remember! The author (in most cases) is not the character. It's likely they've had entirely different experiences and as a...
2023-01-2444 minCollaborcastHead Hopping in Writing and Reading While You WriteHey Collaborist - this week we're talking about head hopping in writing and also answering the question of how to approach reading while you write. We go over listener reading lists. And, Ben's got a new studio setup.
One of the most common editorial notes first time authors get is that they're "head hopping." Well, what does that mean? How does it happen? And how can you work around it. If you haven't already seen our classic Instagram Reel discussing the topic, we cover a lot of the same stuff in this episode of Collaborcast.
...
2023-01-1148 minCollaborcastBad Book Marketing and New Year's ResolutionsHey Collaborist! Welcome to 2023, we've been waiting for you.
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about how to drum up more interest in your writing? Maybe you've come up with some wild ideas about how to sell a truckload of books. Well, we encourage you to make sure that "wild" doesn't equal "bad" because there are plenty of bad marketing tricks that people try to play and ultimately, they're not only unsuccessful as a get rich quick scheme, they can also completely obliterate an author's career in its tracks. For instance, on this episode of Collaborcast we...
2023-01-0432 minCollaborcastEnd of Year Recap + A Query Letter ReviewHey Collaborist,
In this week's episode, Jason and Ben talk about the birth and growth of Collaborist and Collaborcast, including some of their favorite episodes. Additionally, they read and discuss another query letter submitted by a Collaborist just like you.
How about you, Collaborist? What were your 2022 highlights?
Featured independent bookstore - Andover Bookstore in Andover, Massachusetts.
2022-12-2136 minCollaborcastHow Much Description Do You Need in your Writing?Hey Collaborist - today we go back to talking about how much description you need in your writing. We examine the idea using Ernest Hemingway's novel, 'A Farewell to Arms and Don Delillo's novel White Noise! We, once again, examine the idea of why it's important to know the rules before you break the rules.
How about you, Collaborist? How much description do you think you need in your writing?
2022-12-1442 minCollaborcastTrust Your ReaderOn this week's episode we remind you to trust your reader. No need to go all in on details.
We also talk about Jasper's quest to get t-shirts from bookstores all across the country and how he found clarity in writing a scene during November. Also, Bryce talks about the effects painting has had on his writing.
Also! There's a request for you, dear Collaboring.
2022-12-0729 minCollaborcastNon-fiction Book Proposals, Manuscript Wishlist, and an Observation on Point of View (and chitchat!)Happy Thanksgiving, Collaborist! On this week's episode we talk about what needs to go into a prescriptive non-fiction book proposal at the corner of Art and Commerce. How to participate in the hashtag publishing world, and Jason tells us about an observation he made on his book while out on a hike.
2022-11-2439 minCollaborcastHow to Know You Are Ready to Query an Agent or PublisherHey Collaborist!
On this week's episode we help you understand how to know you are ready to query an agent or publisher. You've written a novel. Great! You want the whole world to read it. Also great! Now that you've typed "the end" you should start working on your query letter, right?
Well, not exactly. You need to remember that your query letter isn't the only one going out in the world and that other people are looking for representation, too. It's competitive, but there's a lot about it that is entirely within your control.
2022-11-1636 minCollaborcastHow Long Should a Book Be? An episode about word count.On this episode of Collaborcast we answer a frequently asked question, "How long should a book be?"
And though we both agree that a story should be as many words as it needs to be, the business side of publishing has more specific numbers as far as word count. We go over the numbers. We give examples of books that went way over and a few that snuck in well under.
Ben also talks about his side project -- What Did I Just Paint? -- a YouTube project about my nightly learning process with paints...
2022-11-091h 01CollaborcastQuery Letter Review! Celebrating Independent Bookstores! Are People Sick of the 80s?Jason and Ben discuss Jason's mission to learn about and promote different independent bookstores across the country, a recent Twitter discussion about new books that take place in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and lastly, a brand new query letter review. Also, if you want your query letter to be read and discussed on an episode of Collaborcast, we've got an offer for you.
If you're a NaNoWriMo participant this year, we're cheering you on!
2022-11-0250 min
CollaborcastOld Dogs, New Tricks. Discoveries about Point of View and Weather! And We Answer the Question -- Who Designs Book Covers?Jason and Ben discuss who designs a book's cover and why the process is the way it is. We also discuss a FIFTH! POV that nobody ever knew about (except maybe Hemingway). Jason tells us about recent magic in nature with bioluminescence and not kayaking in shark infested waters on windy nights. Also, reminder, if you're participating in NaNoWriMo 2022, we're here to talk to you about your project ahead of time to make sure you feel prepared to do your best fast drafting.
2022-10-2637 min
CollaborcastTending to Your PurposeIn a busy, busy world, how can you make sure to keep tending to your purpose?
Jason and Ben discuss how to ease back into the real world after spending mindful time away on your creative project. What lessons can be learned from dedicating days or weeks to hyper focusing on one act? How do we continue to carry those lessons with us once we return to the routine of the 9-5 and the distractions of our regular life?
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, pub...
2022-10-1936 min
CollaborcastCreative Time Management | Consuming CultureJason and Ben sit down on the beach to talk about creative time management, especially as it relates to protecting your time as a writer, storyteller, artist--human. The world is full of potential distractions, but you are under no obligation to be consumed by them. It's okay to prioritize your writing. It's okay to prioritize you. You're the one who has to make sense of your life and your purpose and so much of that begins with protecting your time.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by...
2022-10-1219 min
CollaborcastLet's Talk about NaNoWriMo!Jason and Ben talk about NaNoWriMo in the first ever in person edition of Collaborcast!
Planning to write 50,000 words in November? Hoping to find writing community? We've got things for you to think about as you embark on your book writing journey this fall! We're here with writing advice, writing tips, and gentle encouragement for those on the NaNoWriMo journey.
2022-10-0922 min
CollaborcastThe Art of Silence as WritingWriting isn't simply typing. It's processing the world around you as you try to understand yourself and what it is you want to say. We live in a world of constant stimulation from all corners, much of it is disposable. So how do you get outside of it? And what should you expect once you do? Is being uncomfortable part of writing? Probably not for everybody, but maybe for you. In this episode of Collaborcast we explore the necessity of silence as part of your creative process.
What about you, Collaborist? Have you found refuge in quiet...
2022-09-2851 min
CollaborcastLet's talk about Writing Retreats and Writing ConferencesJason and Ben talk about the benefits and expectations of a writing retreat and how it differs from a writing conference. Are you looking for alone time and no distractions so that you can write ten thousand words? Are you looking to meet other writers working in your genre? Hoping to learn from your favorite authors and esteemed experts in the business of writing and publishing?
Well, Collaborist, we've got an episode for you!
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of...
2022-09-2047 minCollaborcastLet's talk about Writing Retreats and Writing ConferencesJason and Ben talk about the benefits and expectations of a writing retreat and how it differs from a writing conference. Are you looking for alone time and no distractions so that you can write ten thousand words? Are you looking to meet other writers working in your genre? Hoping to learn from your favorite authors and esteemed experts in the business of writing and publishing?
Well, Collaborist, we've got an episode for you!
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of...
2022-09-2047 min
CollaborcastWriting Routines that Work (and ones that don't)Jason and Ben discuss writing routines that work and why it's important to question the wisdom of anybody telling you they have a formula for success. A lot of writing advice comes off as aggressive and needlessly rigid, pretending that it's practical in a mythical cutthroat literary world. You don't need to hustle and grind. You don't need to write 5,000 words a day. You don't need to produce a novel every few months. For most writers it isn't realistic and the effects of unrealistic expectations can ruin a book before an author even gets started.
Let's discuss...
2022-09-071h 01CollaborcastWriting Routines that Work (and ones that don't)Jason and Ben discuss writing routines that work and why it's important to question the wisdom of anybody telling you they have a formula for success. A lot of writing advice comes off as aggressive and needlessly rigid, pretending that it's practical in a mythical cutthroat literary world. You don't need to hustle and grind. You don't need to write 5,000 words a day. You don't need to produce a novel every few months. For most writers it isn't realistic and the effects of unrealistic expectations can ruin a book before an author even gets started.
Let's discuss...
2022-09-071h 01
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel: The End (and things to remember along the way)Jason and Ben wrap up their How to Write a Novel series with some thoughts about the end of a book and the process of writing.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, published by Tyrus Books in 2016, explores themes of migration, borderlands, heritage, and the sometimes hidden stories that bind us all together. He has ghostwritten books and book proposals for a variety of authors and as an editor he has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a jo...
2022-08-3143 min
CollaborcastIs Writing to Chase Trends a Good Idea?Should you chase trends when writing a novel? Is there a way to take advantage of the zeitgeist atop the bestseller list? Is there a formula for striking it rich with your writing? Is it more important to write a book according to what's popular now? Or to write the book that's burning in your heart? Do you have to choose? Can you do both?
Let's discuss, Collaborist!
Also, because of goings on in the publishing world this week, we have a refresher conversation about the precarious nature of micro presses (no matter how well...
2022-08-2433 min
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel: Scene BuildingHey, Collaborist! Have you ever wondered how to do scene building in your novel? How do you weigh a scene vs. a summary? How do you write a scene that is essential and not simply a way to pass the time to get to the good parts? Well, have we got an episode for you! Jason and Ben discuss scene building, what the difference is between scene and summary, what it means to let a moment pass, why some people shrug, and how to maximize the effect of your words on your readers.
Support Collaborist on Patreon...
2022-08-1744 min
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel: Show Don't TellHey, Collaborist! Have you ever been told that you need to "show, don't tell" in your novel? Did you then run to the internet (overflowing with writing advice) to find out what exactly people were talking about and why they suggested that you "show don't tell?" Even after reading a variety of how to blog posts from people you don't know, were you still just as confused as ever? Well, have we got an episode for you! Jason and Ben discuss the adage Show Don't Tell, what the difference is between scene and summary, and why you don't want...
2022-08-1024 min
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel: SettingJason and Ben discuss the importance of setting, how it does and does not act as another character, the importance of writing with authority about a place, and how setting is not only about the physical location but also the time and context.
As always, thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music!
About the hosts:
Jason Buchholz has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA...
2022-08-0337 min
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel in 2022: Pacing, Plotting, and Tension!Jason and Ben discuss the critical balance between pace, plot, and tension. We discuss the difference between what happens in a book and what a book is about. We talk about the Karate Kid, Mad Max, thrillers, genre expectations, and how to make sure you're paying attention to your intentions and reader expectations.
Also! We're now on Patreon. If you'd like to support ongoing Collaborist initiatives and feast on a buffet of cool writing, mentoring, and community benefits, visit us at www.patreon.com/collaborist.
If you're looking for more information about our Free Query...
2022-07-2731 min
CollaborcastHow to Write a Novel in 2022: Your AntagonistJason and Ben discuss what makes an effective antagonist. Is the bad guy always the one in the bushes? Who else can be the person between your protagonist's goals and success?
Thanks to Self Help for the intro and outro music.
2022-07-2024 min