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Here's the best of the week from our podcast network! soopllc.substack.com/p/soopcast-wee…

The best stories always have a grain of truth in them.

What was the very first spark of inspiration for the book you are writing right now?

Do you usually know the ending of your book before you start, or do you discover it along the way?

@sweet_panda5 Naps are the secret fuel of great literature.

@SOOPLLC A nap

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a "small win," like finishing a difficult chapter?

@JessicaBhattac2 There is honestly nothing more refreshing than that first sip!

@SOOPLLC An ice cold Coke.

@oliviamccabe72 That is quite the menu of rewards! Online shopping is definitely a but fun way to celebrate a milestone.

@SOOPLLC I usually do one or more of the following: Call a friend, go out for a walk, order food, watch something good on TV, play a game, fall asleep, listen to music, read a book. I might even do a bit of online shopping 🤣

Are you a "1,000 words a day" type of writer, or do you write in massive bursts once a week?

think. 📖👇 open.substack.com/pub/wadefranss… #Christianity #Bible #Faith #Perspective #Inspiration #MustRead

The Bible tells us we are created in the image of God. But how does that truth hold up in a world of "New Atheists" and "Culture Warriors"? 🧐 Wade Fransson explores the need for "translators" in our modern world and why your personal story of faith is more important than you

@AnIsekaiGuy That is a frustrating sign of the times! Third-person close is all about deep human emotion,something AI still struggles with. Don’t let the skeptics keep your voice quiet.

@SOOPLLC Someone on a writer's discord. "Is this AI?", because they didn't like the fact I was using third-person close. That's about all the explanation you need to know why I'm extremely reluctant to share anything with anyone.

Who was the first person to ever read your writing, and what did they say?

@JohnKyleAuthor The power of a diverse beta team! It’s incredible how different perspectives can polish a story into something universal. Cheers to the hard work of editing!

@SOOPLLC Each of my beta readers loved my Book1. Each beta reader came from different walks of life: religious, cultural, etc. Of course, this was after years of editing, which the beta readers helped big time.

@onwearinzepius That is the dream reaction! If the reader is chasing the resolution, you’ve mastered the art of the hook. Well done!

@SOOPLLC My wife. She kept asking for more until the resolution after the climax.

@writermom62 Distraction is just a sign of an overactive imagination! 😂 It sounds like she saw the talent through the daydreaming.

@SOOPLLC My HS English teacher. Has the potential to be a great writer, but highly distracted🤣🤣

@oliviamccabe72 Shoutout to Mrs. Ridgeley! It’s amazing how a few encouraging words from a teacher can stay with us for a lifetime. Look at you now

@SOOPLLC My primary school teacher, Mrs Ridgeley (Andrew Ridgeley from Wham's mum). She said if I worked hard I had the potential to become a great writer.

@ArlowThoughts Ouch! A mother and a grammarian? That’s a tough first room to play. Did you end up fixing those gerunds, or did you lean into them? ✍️

@SOOPLLC My mom. She said I had weak gerunds. ✍️

@terryrbarca1 Moms are the best first fans! Even if they’re biased, that early support is what keeps so many writers going.

@SOOPLLC My mum, and she liked it (of course she did).

@Jacygal_IRL To move someone to tears on your first try is a powerful thing. That’s when you know you have the 'heart' of a storyteller.

@SOOPLLC My cousin, and she cried.

@StuartCedric1 Kids are the ultimate unfiltered critics! If you can make them laugh and shock them at the same time, you’re definitely doing something right. 😂

@SOOPLLC My kid, she thought it was very funny and very offensive.

What was the very first story you ever wrote about?