Show, don't Tell Writing with Suzy Vadori
If writing advice and the lingo used in the publishing industry usually sounds like gobbledygook to you, look no further than this Show, don’t Tell Writing podcast. I’m Author, Editor, and Book Coach Suzy Vadori, and I’m absolutely obsessed with helping writers get their ideas onto the page in a way that readers LOVE. If you think Show, don’t Tell is just tired writing advice, prepare to have your eyes opened as I break down the process of applying this key technique in both fiction and nonfiction books, sharing step-by-step actions each week you can take immediately to get closer each week to your wildest writing dreams, whether you’re writing your first book, or your tenth, all while making the process inspiring and fun. If you want your book to get published, read, loved, and shared with readers all over the world, I’ll address the questions that are sooo hard to find answers for. Is your writing good enough to be published in today’s market? What are the unwritten rules that can make agents, publishers, and readers give your book 5-star reviews? Do you have what it takes to make it as a writer? Hint: You definitely do, but nobody is born knowing how to write a terrific book, so join us to give yourself an advantage over all the other books out there by adding to your writing skills, and getting the straight goods on the industry. In this weekly show, I’ll bring you writing techniques, best practices, motivation, inspirational stories from real live authors out there making it in the world, and actionable advice that can help you turn that book you’re writing into the bestseller you know deep down that it can be. I’ll even share the tangible, step-by-step writing advice that I used to escape her daily grind of being a corporate executive to make a living doing all things writing, and living my best creative life. I’ll be interviewing top writing experts and authors who give you the straight goods on what it takes to make it as a writer. Knowing these writing truths has given me the opportunity to work with thousands of writers over the past decade who have seen their writing dreams come true, and doors open for them that they hadn’t even thought of when they started their journey. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels on your book’s draft and get serious about making your writing the best it can be, don't miss an episode – subscribe or follow today, and visit my website at www.suzyvadori.com for more writing resources and updates.
Episodes
In this week's episode, Suzy chats with book coach Julie Artz about her Critique Partner matching program called "CP Meet Cute" (register here!) They discuss the different types of people who read and offer critique, including alpha readers, beta readers, critique partners, book coaches, editors, and agents. If you've ever wondered what the difference is, this is the episode for you. Tune in to fin...
In this week's episode, Suzy chats with Author and Poet Melanie Marttila. They discuss Melanie's journey as a writer, through her adult diagnosis of Autism, and how that shifted how she thought about her writing and how she approaches critique and characterization.
If you've ever been confused by the writing advice "Show, don't Tell" tune in for Melanie's insight on how she approache...
In this episode, Suzy welcomes Mickey Mikkelson, publicist and founder of Creative Edge Publicity which is celebrating 10 years in business, working with creatives. They discuss how publicity efforts can help writers build their brands.
Find out more on his website: https://www.creative-edge.services/
➡️✍️ Sign up here to FINISH YOUR BOOK in Suzy's Wicked Good Fiction Bootcamp. Enrolling now!
🎧💜 Opt...
In this episode, Suzy sits down with Book Coach Stephanie Dethlefs and they chat about all the things that can get in the way of a writer getting started: both on their book, and during their daily writing practice. Stephanie offers practical and mindset advice to help you overcome the stumbling blocks that are holding you back from writing your book.
Find out more about Stephanie at her website: https://www.stephanie...
In this week's episode, Suzy sits down with Nicole Meier, Author, Book Coach, and Marketing Genius to talk about the dreaded "Author Platform." Listen to learn what a platform is, why you need one, and how you may be already building one without even knowing it.
You can find out more about Nicole's services at https://bookworks.co/
➡️✍️ Sign up here to FINISH YOUR BOOK in Suzy's Wicked Good Fict...
This week, Suzy sits down with memoirist Dr. Phyllis Heintz. They discuss the unique journey Dr. Heintz took through her career, witnessing and participating in major medical milestones throughout her years as a candy striper, nurse, teacher, and administrator. Learn how she was able to take these stories and over a span of 10 years compile and shape them into a compelling memoir.
In this special bonus episode join Suzy and her assistant Liz J. Bradley to learn about a charity doing amazing literacy work around the world: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Learn how to support their mission to "Create a love for books and reading – give every child the start they need in education and life." We talk all things reading and Dolly Parton!
On Friday, March 7th, 2025, Suzy sat down with Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a publishing industry veteran with more than four decades of experience, in a live publishing Q&A session. Publishing has evolved from a traditional-publishing-only model to the rise of self-publishing via digital platforms.
If you haven't listened to part one, you can find that HERE.
In part two of this two part podcast Mark answers questions...
On Friday, March 7th, 2025 Suzy sat down with Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a publishing industry veteran with more than four decades of experience, in a live publishing Q&A session. Publishing has evolved from a traditional-publishing-only model to the rise of self-publishing via digital platforms.
In part one of this two part podcast we will share Mark's presentation and conversation with Suzy. During this discussio...
In this episode, Suzy interviews Story Grid Editor Joanne Haines about the Story Grid evaluation process. They discuss how it addresses the 5 commandments of story and how you can apply them to scenes and your overall story. They also discuss how Story Grid approaches the writing advice of "show, don't tell" in a unique way.
Connect with Joanne on her website at https://shelflifeeditorial.com/
➡️✍️ S...
In this episode, Suzy interviews fellow book coach, Monica Cox about the revision process. They dive deep and explore ideas about how to get yourself in the proper 'reader mindset' and share practical tips for tackling, arguably the most difficult part of the process of writing a book.
➡️✍️ Sign up here to FINISH YOUR BOOK in Suzy's Wicked Good Fiction Bootcamp. Enrolling now!
Depending on where you are on your writing journey, you may be finding out that writing your book is just the beginning of your journey as a writer. Finishing a book is a huge accomplishment, requiring significant time, energy, focus, and love. Job number one in a writer’s life is getting that darned book finished, polished, and then out into the world. But the reality in today’s market, whether you publish traditiona...
In this episode Suzy chats with career author, Janet Fox, about her experiences writing "kidlit" or literature for children. They discuss how the kidlit publishing landscape has changed in the years since Janet's debut, and how to sustain a long career in writing for children and teens.
You can find more about Janet on her website at: www.janetsfox.com
➡️✍️ Sign up here to FINISH YOUR BOOK in Suzy's ...
In this episode, Suzy sits down with fellow book coach, Kerry Savage to discuss how writers can use project management strategies to reach their writing goals. It's more than just a to-do list! They talk technology, SMART goals, and how to put it together with a strategy.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
In this episode Suzy speaks with Author and book coach Liisa Kovala about her journey and her books, but also what she's seeing as she collates stories of women writers in her podcast, Women Writing.
What are our unique challenges and opportunities as women when we're young, when we're middle aged and aging? Lisa and I are going to have a frank discussion about the ups and downs that you'...
In this episode of Show Don’t Tell Writing, Suzy conducts a live page review for Jordan Bloomfield’s young adult novel, Party Boys. Originally written as a screenplay, Party Boys is Jordan’s first novel, following a group of 16-year-olds navigating friendships, football, and risky social situations. Suzy shares insights on adapting a screenplay into a novel, emphasizing how to incorporate the 5 elements of writing to ...
In this episode, Suzy approaches goal setting in a strategic and measured way for writers. She tackles the different myths about writing that you may be telling yourself that are getting in the way of achieving your writing goals, and then lays out a step by step plan for setting goals for 2025.
Mentioned in the Episode:
Suzy's Video about Writer's Block
➡️✍️ Sign up here to FINISH YOUR BOOK ...
In this episode, Suzy dives into one of the most critical yet often mishandled aspects of writing: dialogue. She shares her top tips for crafting dialogue that grabs your reader's attention, reveals character, and propels your story forward. Whether you struggle with punctuation, pacing, or making conversations feel authentic yet engaging, this episode will transform how you write dialogue.
Mentioned in...
In this episode of Show, don’t Tell Writing, Suzy chats with Allyson McCollum, author of the newly released paranormal fantasy novel Mors Obliviscens. Allyson shares her writing journey, from joining Suzy’s Wicked Good Fiction Boot Camp in 2021 to publishing her debut novel in 2024. Together, they discuss the intricacies of crafting a dark and layered afterlife, developing complex relationships between characters, and...
In this special year-end episode of Show Don’t Tell Writing, Suzy reflects on her incredible journey throughout 2024. From hosting virtual retreats and launching new courses to supporting thousands of writers through coaching and editing, Suzy shares the highlights of her year and the valuable lessons learned along the way, and how you can plan your own writing goals for next year.
Episodes Referenced in this...
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