Buildwriting

Onyemechi Nwakonam
Buildwriting

Buildwriting is a podcast for the intersection of creative writers that are both poets and short fiction writers. While we explore writing craft through a variety of podcast show formats we look at how we can make and find time to write in our busy lives. We look at poetry, short fiction and creativity. This is a podcast from a writer figuring how it works and sharing generously with those that care. Buildwriting releases episodes to educate, entertain and inspire you. Answering your questions,exploring ideas and going deep in tutorials with weekly episodes. Subscribe to join the tribe.

  1. FEB 7

    I Wrote Poetry for 6 Days Straight — Here's What Happened | Ep 85

    Join the newsletter to get my letters https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ In this episode, I share my journey of writing poetry for six consecutive days and the lessons I learned along the way. As someone who loves writing but struggled to build a consistent habit, I made a commitment to write a poem every day with just one simple rule: it had to be a minimum of ten lines. I discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the surprising moments of inspiration that came with showing up daily to write.I also explore the importance of consistency and how just showing up can shift your mindset and identity as a writer. Writing isn't always about creating masterpieces — it's about the practice and discipline of putting words on paper, even when the inspiration feels absent. I read one of my poems, “Scribbled Piece,” and reflect on how writing without judgment helped me embrace imperfection and build confidence.Looking ahead, I share my plan to emulate the works of Carl Sandburg, using his poetry as inspiration to explore new creative styles and techniques. Join me as I continue this poetic journey, discovering what it truly means to be a writer and how imitation can be a powerful tool for growth. If you love writing or want to develop a creative habit, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights.Let me know your thoughts or suggestions for poets I should study next. Happy writing! Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Writing Poetry Daily02:47 The Process of Writing: Showing Up06:11 Lessons Learned: Time, Money, and Passion09:07 The Importance of Identity: Feeling Like a Writer12:02 Next Steps: Imitating Great Writers

    15 min
  2. 09/08/2024

    Are You Really Waiting for the Right Life Circumstances to Start Writing? | Ep 82

    In this episode, I emphasize that there’s no perfect time to start writing—so stop waiting for the right circumstances. I use J.K. Rowling as an example of someone who wrote Harry Potter during tough times, showing the importance of using what you have and working with your current skills. I suggest setting small, achievable daily writing goals and making use of inconvenient times and places to write. Challenges can be inspiration, and creating a minimal writing space can help you get started. Remember, the right time to start writing is right now. Join My Newsletter Love what you're hearing? Stay connected and never miss an update by joining my newsletter! Get exclusive insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox. Just head over to https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ and sign up today! Send an Audio Message Got something to say? I want to hear from you! Send me an audio message with your thoughts, questions, or stories, and you might just hear your voice on the next episode. Visit https://buildwriting.com/speak/ to record your message now! Takeaways There is no perfect time to start writing, so start now. Use what you have and work with your current skill level. Set small achievable daily writing goals. See challenges as inspiration and overcome them. Create a minimal writing space that works for your current situation. Chapters 00:00 Stop Waiting for the Right Circumstances 01:11 Use What You Have to Create What You Want 02:15 Waiting Leads to Regret and Missed Opportunities 03:15 Challenges as Inspiration 04:11 Use What You Have to Give Permission to Others to Shine 05:05 Create a Minimal Writing Space

    10 min
  3. 09/06/2024

    Is Not Knowing How to Market Really Stopping You from Writing? | Ep 80

    In this episode, I focus on how not knowing how to market shouldn’t stop you from writing. I emphasize that writing and marketing are separate skills, and the key to successful marketing is having a good product. I encourage you to focus on improving your craft and not let marketing distract you. I also mention that professionals in the publishing industry can help with marketing. I wrap up with a writing challenge and an invitation to join the newsletter. Join My Newsletter Love what you're hearing? Stay connected and never miss an update by joining my newsletter! Get exclusive insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox. Just head over to https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ and sign up today! Send an Audio Message Got something to say? I want to hear from you! Send me an audio message with your thoughts, questions, or stories, and you might just hear your voice on the next episode. Visit https://buildwriting.com/speak/ to record your message now! Takeaways Not knowing how to market should not stop writers from writing. Writing and marketing are separate skills. Having a good product is essential for successful marketing. Focus on improving your craft and let professionals in the publishing industry handle marketing. Take time to write without thinking about marketing. Collaborate with other writers and consider free online courses to learn the basics of marketing. Chapters 00:00 The Relationship Between Writing and Marketing 01:27 The Importance of Having a Good Product 02:59 Focusing on Writing and Not Letting Marketing Interfere 05:47 Collaborating with Other Writers and Personal Branding 05:58 Don't Let a Lack of Marketing Knowledge Stop You

    6 min
  4. 09/05/2024

    Do You Really Need to Travel More to Have Something to Write About? | Ep 79

    In this episode, I explore the idea of whether we really need to travel more to find inspiration for our writing. We often hear that travel broadens the mind and enriches our experiences, but is it essential for crafting compelling stories? I discuss how many acclaimed works are set in ordinary places, and how our depth of observation can matter more than the breadth of our experiences. I also share practical tips on finding inspiration close to home, observing your surroundings with fresh eyes, and using research and imagination to fuel your writing. Tune in to discover how you can create extraordinary stories without ever leaving your own backyard. Join My Newsletter Love what you're hearing? Stay connected and never miss an update by joining my newsletter! Get exclusive insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox. Just head over to https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ and sign up today! Send an Audio Message Got something to say? I want to hear from you! Send me an audio message with your thoughts, questions, or stories, and you might just hear your voice on the next episode. Visit https://buildwriting.com/speak/ to record your message now! Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] - Introduction [00:05] - The Travel Myth [00:40] - Stories Close to Home [01:10] - The Search for Inspiration [01:49] - Ordinary Places, Extraordinary Stories [02:45] - The Skill of Observation [03:30] - Universal Themes in Any Setting [04:09] - Practical Advice for Writers [06:00] - The Value of Familiarity [07:00] - Research and Imagination [07:58] - Childhood as a Source of Inspiration [08:52] - Focus on What You Have [09:30] - Writing Challenge [10:00] - Conclusion

    10 min
  5. 09/04/2024

    Is Your Day Job Really Too Demanding for Writing? Time Management Secrets | Ep 78

    In this episode, I discuss the challenge of finding time to write while juggling a demanding day job. I suggest doing a time audit to see where your time goes and finding ways to optimize small pockets for writing. Strategies include waking up earlier, using lunch breaks, optimizing commute time for brainstorming, and scheduling sessions through time blocking. Weekends can be great for longer writing sessions. I emphasize the importance of making writing a priority and finding what works best for you. Join My Newsletter Love what you're hearing? Stay connected and never miss an update by joining my newsletter! Get exclusive insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox. Just head over to https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ and sign up today! Send an Audio Message Got something to say? I want to hear from you! Send me an audio message with your thoughts, questions, or stories, and you might just hear your voice on the next episode. Visit https://buildwriting.com/speak/ to record your message now! Takeaways Many writers have day jobs and need to find time to write Doing a time audit can help identify how time is currently being spent Optimizing small pockets of time, such as waking up earlier or using lunch breaks, can allow for writing Using commute time for brainstorming and meditation can help generate ideas Time blocking techniques can help schedule dedicated writing sessions Weekends can be leveraged for longer writing sessions Making writing a priority and finding what works best for each individual is key Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Is your day job really too demanding for writing? 00:46 Chapter 1: Doing a time audit 01:58 Chapter 2: Making the most of short writing sessions 04:00 Chapter 3: Leveraging a day job for structure and inspiration 04:35 Chapter 4: Practical advice for finding time to write 08:01 Conclusion: Writing challenge and closing remarks

    8 min

About

Buildwriting is a podcast for the intersection of creative writers that are both poets and short fiction writers. While we explore writing craft through a variety of podcast show formats we look at how we can make and find time to write in our busy lives. We look at poetry, short fiction and creativity. This is a podcast from a writer figuring how it works and sharing generously with those that care. Buildwriting releases episodes to educate, entertain and inspire you. Answering your questions,exploring ideas and going deep in tutorials with weekly episodes. Subscribe to join the tribe.

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