by MikeOMalley | Aug 30, 2024 | General
Need a Story? Try Mining Your LifeWhen I was coaching radio DJs—especially those struggling to find interesting content—I advised them to “Mine your life.” Revisiting people, places, and events can provide the basis for all or part of a story. Some of the bizarre...
by MikeOMalley | Nov 26, 2023 | General
“How did you come up with the idea for your book?”Usually, when I’m asked this, the questioner is genuinely interested in the process. Perhaps they’ve had an idea rolling around in their head and wanted to see how far they could take it. Or maybe they’d wanted...
by MikeOMalley | Oct 10, 2022 | General
We’ve probably all heard the advice, “Write what you know.” And that’s good council as far as it goes. What you know is great for infusing your characters, location, and plot with authenticity. But personally, if I only wrote what I already know, I’d be bored. And I...
by MikeOMalley | Aug 22, 2022 | General
Whether you’re sharing information on your brand, your business, or a book, having a database of followers who you can communicate with is like eating a sumptuous meal and still having leftovers: there’s value for everyone involved, both now and in the future....
by Mike O'Malley | Mar 28, 2022 | General
A friend of mine has a great way of owning up to those times of considerable celebration: “Last night I made some bad decisions,” she’d say with a wry grin. Funny, right? But, on the creative side of things, bad decisions can generate good stories. Not that I’m...
by Mike O'Malley | Feb 2, 2022 | General
Mike’s Note: I wrote this for my radio station clients in 2020. Author Susan Slater’s advice was totally “on the money” for those who make their livings as radio station DJs. And of course, they’re absolute gold for writers. Enjoy! And thanks for the wisdom, Susan! As...