How to Enchant Your Readers with Gina Kammer

In this episode, we chat with book coach, Gina Kammer, about the intersection of brain science and writing. She discusses the importance of setting and fulfilling reader expectations, unlocking knowledge for readers, and creating an immersive experience. Kammer shares her three keys to reader enchantment: expectations, enlightenment, and experience. She also emphasises the significance of understanding readers and conducting market research to ensure that a book delivers on its promises.

 

Say hello to Gina! 

Book coach and editor Gina Kammer uses brain science hacks to take science fiction and fantasy authors through each step of the novel-writing process to create stories that enchant readers. Gina combines her background in teaching college writing and literature with her insights as a former in-house editor to mentor authors through craft instruction and the publishing industry. With over a decade of professional story-dragon experience, she coaches authors at inkybookwyrm.com so they know exactly which next steps to take on their journeys to publication.

Listeners can rip a page out of the Inky Bookwyrm's Spellbook! Download the "Spell for a Story Enchantment" and learn the key ingredients to a strong story that enchants readers. Access more downloads and resources by signing up for a free student account in the Inky Bookwyrm Conservatory. 

 

Takeaways

• Understanding brain science can help authors create stories that enchant readers.
• Setting and fulfilling reader expectations is crucial for creating a cohesive and impactful story.
• Unlocking knowledge and providing enlightenment in a story can make readers care deeply.
• Creating an immersive experience through world-building and emotional storytelling is key to reader enchantment.
• Authors should understand their readers and conduct market research to ensure their book delivers on its promises. Understanding the reader's emotional journey is crucial for creating impactful narratives.
• Readers care when they know how the characters care.
• Building an emotional connection with readers leads to a loyal following.
• Authors should focus on one thing and create a unique brand.
• Successful authors meet reader expectations, provide value, and give readers an experience.
• Authors should analyse craft advice through the three keys: expectations, enlightenment, and experience.
• Start with basic story structure and show how characters care.
• Vet advice to ensure it aligns with the story's goals.
• Understanding brain science and story can enhance storytelling.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Bookish Question

02:33 Background and Brain Science

06:02 Simplifying Brain Science for Authors

09:24 The Importance of Purpose in Writing

11:36 The Three Keys to Reader Enchantment

14:02 The Deeper Connection in Reading

17:14 Understanding Readers and Market Research

19:02 Mood Reading and Quick Fix Stories

21:11 Infusing Stories with Emotions

23:26 The Power of Emotional Memories

25:23 Building a Loyal Following

27:13 Crafting an Author Brand

29:33 Authors Who Enchant Readers

32:18 Enhancing Storytelling with Brain Science

34:11 Moving from Discovery to Writing Phase

37:24 Advice for Aspiring Authors