Episode 152: Why Your Story Isn’t Hitting (And How to Fix It)

Nobody tells you this when you're starting out: the biggest mistakes new authors make usually have NOTHING to do with the writing itself. 😬 In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we're getting real about the 5 biggest mistakes we made when we were first starting out as published authors—things like hiding our work for way too long, letting perfectionism stall our progress, and ignoring the business side of being an author. These are common pitfalls that hold writers back for YEARS... and the wild part is, most people don't even realize they're making them. If you're serious about becoming a published author (not just writing a book, but actually building a career around it), this episode is for you! 👍 If this episode helped you, smash that like button and subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Kate and Abbie Show!Check out Kate's Mentorship Program 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf23I1ZN1gRStXKVpYGB7w4oPQF0NAk7gUA3VF7uBOX_rbzXw/viewformPreorder my book, Make Your Story Matter: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matter 

Ever feel like your story just… isn’t hitting anymore? Like something is missing, the spark is gone, and suddenly every scene feels kind of *meh* no matter how hard you try to fix it?In this episode, Kate and I are sitting down for a very real conversation about WHY that happens — and how to figure out what your story actually needs before you scrap the whole thing and start over (because we know the temptation 😅).We’re talking about:why some stories feel emotionally flatthe hidden reason your story might not be connectinghow to diagnose what’s actually wrongthe questions that instantly uncover weak spotshow to reignite your excitement for your story againThis is less of a “10 writing tips” video and more of a writer therapy session. So if you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected from your draft, or convinced your story just isn’t working… this episode is for you.Grab a cup of tea and come hang out with us 💛PRE-ORDER MAKE YOUR STORY MATTER: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matterJOIN KATE'S MUSE MENTORSHIP: https://forms.gle/NeN6m7wyzh4XtpTw5

If you’re a writer trying to figure out what you actually need before publishing your book… this episode is for you. Editors, beta readers, proofreaders, coaches... it can feel like you need all of it just to move forward. And it gets overwhelming (and expensive) fast. 😵‍💫PRE-ORDER ABBIE'S NEW BOOK HERE: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matter In this episode of The Kate & Abbie Show, we’re breaking it all down:✨ What each role actually does✨ What you don’t need (yet)✨ Where most writers waste time and money✨ And what will actually help you move forward in your story💛 If you’re tired of second-guessing your story and trying to figure it out on your own…This is exactly the work I do inside my 1:1 mentorship — helping writers get clear, build momentum, and actually finish a story that works.You don’t have to stay stuck. 👉 Apply to work with me here: https://forms.gle/NeN6m7wyzh4XtpTw5Let us know in the comments: what part of the process feels the most confusing for you right now?

Want to keep your readers on the edge of their seats? In this episode of The Kate and Abbie Show, we’re breaking down 7 easy ways to add suspense to your story and make it impossible to put down.From building tension through your character’s deepest fears to raising the stakes with a ticking clock, these powerful storytelling techniques will help you craft suspenseful, high-stakes fiction that keeps readers hooked. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, these writing suspense tips will level up your storytelling game.If you want to master writing tension and conflict and create page-turning suspense, this episode is for you!

Struggling to create a tragic villain backstory that tugs your reader's heartstrings? In this podcast, we'll show you how to write a villain with depth, exploring backstory techniques that make your antagonist unforgettable. Learn the secrets to writing a compelling villain by understanding villain motivation, how to make a villain relatable, and writing a tragic backstory that resonates. We’ll dive into creating a sympathetic villain, crafting a powerful villain origin story, and mastering antagonist character development. Whether you’re working on a villain redemption arc or wondering how to make villains more human, this podcast is packed with tips to help you build an unforgettable antagonist.JOIN THE MUSE CHALLENGE: https://www.patreon.com/c/kaemmons

Are you ready to write faster than you ever have? Ready to charge into your writing projects with reckless creativity and write more words than you thought possible? In today's podcast, Kate and I will share our top 10 unique writing hacks for getting more words on the page FASTER (without rushing!) Grab a notebook and get ready to be inspired. Let's go! WATCH THE MUSE CHALLENGE SUMMIT REPLAY: https://www.patreon.com/posts/your-time-to-119319412 🖥️TAKE MY SCRIVENER MASTERCLASS: https://makeyourstorymatter.teachable.com/p/teachmescrivener 💵GET 20% OFF SCRIVENER - USE CODE "ABBIE" → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=abbie26 ________________________________ Subscribe for more episodes of #TheKateAndAbbieShow! Make Your Story Matter™ and make your author dreams come true… new videos every Wednesday. ✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨ ❤️GET BONUS CONTENT + SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL: https://www.patreon.com/abbieemmons 📚READ MY BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3Ivk0Gr ✏️TAKE MY EDITING MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/edit-your-book-like-a-pro 💬TAKE MY BOOK BLURB MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/how-to-craft-a-bestseller-book-blurb 📓GET MY FREE WRITING TEMPLATES: https://abbieemmons.ck.page/make-your-story-matter 🎤LISTEN TO MY PODCAST WITH MY SISTER: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kate-and-abbie-show 🎥 MY GEAR + WRITING TOOLS: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/my-gear 🎵 I GET ALL MY MUSIC FROM EPIDEMIC SOUND… CLAIM YOUR 60-DAY FREE TRIAL HERE: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/v02bl3/ MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE: → WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT WHEN YOU’RE BORED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_3PL1a4K7E&t=809s → THE ULTIMATE CHARACTER PROFILE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1W5DSOlPrw&t=198s → WRITERS REACT TO WRITERS IN MOVIES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY01DOIVWwY&t=803s → MY CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER OUTLINING METHOD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqTnmNjkaec&t=434s

Whether you're embarking on a New Year's goal or you're getting ready to tackle a big writing project whose time has come, Abbie and I are here to share with you our secrets for writing the book of your dreams FAST. We believe that writing a book doesn't have to be a never-ending project or a pipe dream; in fact, it can be something that you finish within 1-3 months. It's time to STOP putting your writing dreams on hold... and dive in! Let's go! ✨ SIGN UP FOR THE "YOUR TIME TO WRITE" JANUARY CHALLENGE: www.patreon.com/kaemmons

Do you struggle to commit to creative time every day? Are you ready to build a writing habit that lasts long after NaNoWriMo ends? In today's podcast, we're sharing our best advice for creating a bulletproof writing habit that sticks. So if you've been struggling to show up for your book, this episode will give you the tools you need to make writing a daily habit. Grab a notebook and let's get started! ✨ Get 30% OFF The Writer's Wellness Journey when you purchase with full payment. USE CODE: NANO2024 at checkout. Get access here: https://kaemmons.teachable.com/p/wellness-for-writers 🌿 Enroll in Kate's incredible platform for creatives, Rewildest Life here: https://rewildestlife.com/ Subscribe for more episodes of #TheKateAndAbbieShow! Make Your Story Matter™ and make your author dreams come true… new videos every Wednesday. ✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨ ❤️SUPPORT THE KATE AND ABBIE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/thekateandabbieshow 📚READ ABBIE'S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3Ivk0Gr 📚READ KATE'S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3WKDP4D 🖥️TAKE MY SCRIVENER MASTERCLASS: https://makeyourstorymatter.teachable.com/p/teachmescrivener ✏️TAKE MY EDITING MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/edit-your-book-like-a-pro 💬TAKE MY BOOK BLURB MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/how-to-craft-a-bestseller-book-blurb 📓GET MY FREE WRITING TEMPLATES: https://abbieemmons.ck.page/make-your-story-matter 💵GET 20% OFF SCRIVENER - USE CODE "ABBIE" → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=abbie26 🎤LISTEN TO MY PODCAST WITH MY SISTER: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kate-and-abbie-show 🎥 MY GEAR + WRITING TOOLS: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/my-gear 🎵 I GET ALL MY MUSIC FROM EPIDEMIC SOUND… CLAIM YOUR 60-DAY FREE TRIAL HERE: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/v02bl3/

Writing a novel (or 50k words) in one month comes with unique challenges. Whether you're embarking on the adventure of tackling NaNoWriMo 2024 or simply starting a new literary endeavor, we're here to help you prepare yourself to write your best novel. We will cut through the clutter and overwhelm and focus on the FEW vital things that will help you write more words this November. So grab a notebook and a cup of coffee, and let's get into it! ✨ Get 30% OFF The Writer's Wellness Journey when you purchase with full payment. USE CODE: NANO2024 at checkout. Get access here: https://kaemmons.teachable.com/p/wellness-for-writers 🌿 Enroll in Kate's incredible platform for creatives, Rewildest Life here: https://rewildestlife.com/ Subscribe for more episodes of #TheKateAndAbbieShow! Make Your Story Matter™ and make your author dreams come true… new videos every Wednesday. ✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨ ❤️SUPPORT THE KATE AND ABBIE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/thekateandabbieshow 📚READ ABBIE'S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3Ivk0Gr 📚READ KATE'S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3WKDP4D 🖥️TAKE MY SCRIVENER MASTERCLASS: https://makeyourstorymatter.teachable.com/p/teachmescrivener ✏️TAKE MY EDITING MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/edit-your-book-like-a-pro 💬TAKE MY BOOK BLURB MASTERCLASS: https://www.learnfromabbie.com/p/how-to-craft-a-bestseller-book-blurb 📓GET MY FREE WRITING TEMPLATES: https://abbieemmons.ck.page/make-your-story-matter 💵GET 20% OFF SCRIVENER - USE CODE "ABBIE" → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=abbie26 🎤LISTEN TO MY PODCAST WITH MY SISTER: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kate-and-abbie-show 🎥 MY GEAR + WRITING TOOLS: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/my-gear 🎵 I GET ALL MY MUSIC FROM EPIDEMIC SOUND… CLAIM YOUR 60-DAY FREE TRIAL HERE: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/v02bl3/

Is it possible to write "insta-love" romance that actually feels believable and earned? That's the big question we're tackling in today's podcast. We'll explore six powerful tried-and-true methods for making your couple's relationship feel well-developed and compelling, even if you're working with a short timeline for your story. So, if you need two characters to fall in love quickly... this episode is for you. Buying our books is the best way to support us as artists! 📚 KATE’S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3YOkP6s 📚ABBIE’S BOOKS: https://amzn.to/3Ivk0Gr ➡️ Join the Patreon and get access to exclusive live hangout sessions: https://www.patreon.com/thekateandabbieshow/ Like this episode? Give us a thumbs up, subscribe, and tell us what you thought. Kate's 7-Day Meditative Journey for Writers: https://kaemmons.teachable.com/p/writers-reset-7-day-meditative-journey ✏️TAKE ABBIE'S SCRIVENER MASTERCLASS: https://makeyourstorymatter.teachable.com/p/teachmescrivener 💻GET 20% OFF SCRIVENER - USE CODE "ABBIE" → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=abbie26 GET ABBIE'S SCRIVENER THEMES: https://makeyourstorymatter.teachable.com/p/pack-of-7-custom-scrivener-themes/ Connect with Kate on Instagram (@lonehawkwriter) Connect with Abbie on Instagram (@makeyourstorymatter)